The so-called “Flying Knives” are stepping up their surgical activities at Millicent and District Hospital.

This is the slang term used to describe visiting surgeons from the capital city and they are undertaking increased lists in elective surgery following a state-wide shutdown imposed by COVID protocols.

A spokesperson from Limestone Coast Local Health Network told The SE Voice that

Millicent Hospital offers a range of surgical procedures, including breast surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecological surgery, oral surgery, colonoscopies, endoscopies and other general or minor surgical procedures.

“Elective surgery services at Millicent Hospital are provided by visiting surgeons from Mount Gambier and Adelaide, with an average of three theatre sessions a week,” the spokesperson said.

“We do not provide details around individual staff due to confidentiality reasons.

“The weekly average number of procedures varies depending on the number and type of theatre lists being undertaken that week.

“Theatre lists are scheduled Monday to Friday each week on a rotational basis.”

Until 15 years ago, the names of visiting surgeons and all other medical personnel were published in the Millicent Hospital annual report.