Former Townsville Hospital and Health Service neurosurgeon Reno Rossato dies

The man who established a neurological service in Townsville has died, with his “remarkable” life remembered.

Reno Rossato with family at the Townsville Hospital and Health Service Staff Excellence Awards

North Queensland has lost a pioneer of healthcare after the former Director of Neurosurgery at Townsville University Hospital died this week.

Reno Rossato, who died on Monday, leaves behind a legacy that transcends medicine, with many of the lifesaving services now available in Townsville having arrived as a direct result of his career.

Mr Rossato established a neurological service in the city that is now 45 years old, and left a legacy that built the foundations for cutting-edge services including the clot retrieval service for stroke patients.

Mr Rossato also played a key role in the development of aeromedical services in the North.

His daughter, Dr Emma Rossato, said the family were “heartbroken”.

Reno Rossato with wife Jenny.

‘Only a few get to live a remarkable life, and make a difference to so many. We are privileged to have witnessed and supported it – no one more so than my mother,” she said.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service chief executive Kieran Keyes said after Mr Rossato completed his training at the University of Queensland, specialist training is Brisbane and in the UK, he spent time as a consultant in Auckland before he returned to the region in 1979 to start the neurological service.

Reno Rossato at Townsville General Hospital.

“For the first 15 years of his practice, Reno was the sole neurosurgeon north of Brisbane; a remarkable effort that involved more than 4,000 nights on call during the early years of his service,” Mr Keyes said.

“It was a role that brought huge demand, with many hours and days spent away from his growing family as he cared for patients with spinal injuries, stroke, aneurysm, and cancers of the head, brain, neck, and spine.”

Before the arrival of the hospital’s first CT scanner in 1983, operative intervention was solely determined by Mr Rossato’s clinical acumen and his expertise in performing cerebral angiograms.

“A gifted surgeon, Reno campaigned energetically for Townsville to be the centre for neurotrauma, constantly making the case for improved imaging and monitoring modalities and recognising that an evolving neurosurgery department needed to foster and support research and innovation,” Mr Keyes said.

Todd Furlong (Technician) and Mr Reno Rossato (Neurosurgeon). Picture: Scott Radford-Chisholm

“Reno’s passionate advocacy for neurosurgical services and equity of access for patients living in non-metropolitan areas led to the creation of the renowned, contemporary neurosurgery department we enjoy today.”

Reno Rossato – Commonwealth Games 2018 Queens Baton Relay (QBR) – Townsville. Picture: Alix Sweeney

Reno also chaired the Queensland Neurosurgery Society, held various positions with the Royal

Australasian College of Surgeons, and served on selection committees for advanced trainees, as well as being a fellow of the Royal College of England and the American College of Surgeons.

Reno Rossato with Premier Steven Miles.

He was the Medical Director of the Surgical Service Group at Townsville Hospital and Health Service during the last 10 years of his clinical practice, as he continued to provide oversight and governance to the broader surgical community.

The neurosurgical unit in 1988.

He received an Order of Australia in 1987 and was honoured as a Townsville Hospital and Health Service Consultant Emeritus in 2020.

Mr Keyes said when Mr Rossato retired, he resisted the hospital’s urge to celebrate and acknowledge his achievements publicly, opting for a low-key celebration with his colleagues and friends.

“It was a pleasure and privilege to know, and work with, Reno,” he said.

“Thank you, Reno, for the many lives that breathed easier because of you.

“On behalf of the health service, I extend my deepest sympathies to Jenny, their children, and grandchildren and to those of you who knew and loved Reno and who mourn his loss.”

Originally published as Former Townsville Hospital and Health Service neurosurgeon Reno Rossato dies