Majority of Griffith children with broken bones referred to Wagga hospital

The little girl was holidaying with her grandparents when she fell and they took her to Griffith Base Hospital (GBH) for treatment. However, according to a Facebook post made by the girl’s mother, they were told she had to be treated in Wagga instead.

Dr Elizabeth Harford, general manager at GBH, confirmed many patients with fractures had to go to Wagga.

“Specialist orthopaedic services are unable to be provided at GBH as Griffith does not have an orthopaedic surgeon,” Dr Harford said.

“For adults, the emergency department realigns some displaced fractures under the advice of the orthopaedic surgeon in Wagga.

“All child fractures are discussed with an orthopaedic surgeon at Wagga and the majority (of children) travel (there) for review.”

Dr Harford said discussions were underway about establishing a ‘fracture clinic’ that would connect health professionals in Wagga and Griffith.

She said the proposed clinic would see doctors view X-rays in Wagga and provide “detailed advice to GBH doctors”.

“X-rays are fully digitised and are available via the on-line radiology system (used) throughout NSW,” Dr Harford said.

“A fracture clinic will be conducted using this online service but could also include a video camera so the Wagga orthopaedic staff can speak directly to the patients as well as medical and physiotherapy staff at Griffith.”