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Professor David David and Health Minister Stephen Wade hold “constructive” talks

A MEETING with Health Minister Stephen Wade has given Professor David David hope that his beloved Australian Craniofacial Unit will be okay.

Little Lucy Deerson cranial vault remodel at the Australian Craniofacial Uni

A MEETING with Health Minister Stephen Wade has given Professor David David hope that his beloved Australian Craniofacial Unit will keep doing its good work.

Prof David, who stepped down as head a year ago and retired just days ago, was deeply concerned at changes in management at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital-based Unit.

He had said that one of the top specialists had been wrongfully let go, and that operations on overseas patients – predominantly children from Asia – were dwindling.

Mr Wade had said that wasn’t the case, and that the unit was dedicated to running according to a manifesto written by Prof David.

The two men met yesterday and had what Prof David called a “very long, positive meeting”. “I’m confident the Government will get it back on track,” he said.

Craniofacial surgery specialist Professor David David retired last week. Picture: Matt Turner
Craniofacial surgery specialist Professor David David retired last week. Picture: Matt Turner

Mr Wade said he was grateful to Prof David for outlining the issues for him to consider.

“The Marshall Liberal Government supports the humanitarian work pioneered by Prof David and remains committed to funding up to 15 overseas patients a year at the WCH,” he said. “I am confident that the proud tradition of the Australian Craniofacial Unit will continue under (new boss) Dr Mark Moore’s leadership.”

Prof David had said the unit had seen about 15 overseas patients a year for 44 years, but he suspected the new management was “planning to get rid of them”.

In response Mr Wade said there were three scheduled for last financial year but only one happened because two had surgeries done at home. He said the nature of the work meant fluctuations in demand.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/professor-david-david-and-health-minister-stephen-wade-hold-constructive-talks/news-story/7d45178f699baf3e0b8368ce567dc0f3