16 April 2014
Jersey’s new urology consultant will be utilising the latest laser technology as part of a drive to enable more patients to receive treatment on the Island.
Ben Hughes, who began work at Jersey General Hospital earlier this year, has taken delivery of a laser machine that will be used for the treatment of urinary tract stones.
He said “I expect the new machine to have a significant impact on the numbers of patients needing to travel to the UK for treatment.
“Typically one might expect around 160 cases annually for a population the size of Jersey’s, around half of whom would require surgery. All but the most complex procedures can now be tackled on-Island."
Higher surgical training
Mr Hughes graduated from the University of Birmingham Medical School in 2002 and subsequently worked at a number of hospitals in the south-east of England. He came to Jersey after completing five years of higher surgical training in urology, the majority of which was spent in teaching hospitals in East Anglia.
In addition to his urinary tract stones specialism, he is also trained in diagnostic and general urological surgery, as well as endoscopic (telescopic) surgery for diseases such as bladder cancer.
The appointment of a full-time consultant has brought greater continuity to the urological care offered at Jersey General Hospital. Most recently the post was shared between three consultants, each of whom worked two weeks in every six.
Mr Hughes said “The aim is to offer a high quality contemporary diagnostic and general service, enabling the hospital to bring down waiting times.
“We are working towards non-urgent cases being seen within two months and urgent cases within two weeks.”
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