16 December 2013
The range of cancer treatments available in Jersey has been increased through the appointment of a new consultant specialising in colorectal surgery.
Miklos Kassai took up a new post at Jersey General Hospital in November and is already treating Islanders using the latest ‘keyhole’ surgery techniques. Many of his patients would previously have been required to travel to the UK for treatment.
Colorectal cancer is among the three most common cancers for both men and women in Jersey, with an average of between 55 and 60 new cases annually.
After undertaking his medical training in the UK, Mr Kassai subsequently spent time in his native Hungary before moving to Glasgow, where he worked as the Colorectal Lead for Lanarkshire for eight years prior to his move to Jersey.
Mr Kassai said that formerly around half of Jersey patients needing treatment for colorectal surgery had been obliged to travel to the UK, but that he now predicted that more than 95% could be treated on-Island.
“All but the most complex cases will be treated here, and we will make wide use of laparoscopic [keyhole] surgery, which is something that many patients in the UK do not have access to. This is a factor in helping patients recover faster and endure less pain as well as being cosmetically better, he said.”
Helen O’Shea, Managing Director of Jersey General Hospital, said: “This is a very significant advance in making specialist treatment available in Jersey to Islanders who need it.
“Travelling to the UK, usually to London in these cases, is an additional burden for patients, especially as major procedures can require them to spend up to a week in hospital, as well as needing to make further travel arrangements for their follow-up appointments – most of this work will now be carried out close to patients’ homes and within easy reach of their network of family and friends.”
gov.je