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Published Friday 2 Mar 2018

Surgical staff are smiling at Wairarapa District Health Board (WrDHB) with the delivery of $600,000 worth of orthopaedic surgical equipment donated by Selina Sutherland hospital.

Hospital Staff unpack the new equipment. From left: Orthopaedic Resource Nurse ,Edna Beech; Selina Sutherland Business Manager, Cate Tyrer; Orthopaedic Resource Nurse, Jenny Ewen; Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Konrad Schwanecke; Stryker Representative, Ryan Thornton.


Surgical staff are smiling at Wairarapa District Health Board (WrDHB) with the delivery of $600,000 worth of orthopaedic surgical equipment. 

The new tools were delivered  by the provider, Stryker, and surgical and management staff from both Selina Sutherland Hospital and Wairarapa Hospital took a break from busy schedules to enjoy the moment. 

The equipment has been generously purchased by Selina Sutherland for use across both the private and public hospitals.

“The Selina Sutherland Hospital Board has funded the equipment in celebration of our shared vision, and to improve orthopaedic surgery and outcomes across the whole of the Wairarapa,” said Cate Tyrer, Business Manager of Selina Sutherland Hospital.

“The $600,000 purchase and ongoing maintenance of the equipment is a significant investment, but it was necessary. The hospital tools were outdated and at the end of their useful life. The new theatre resources now just need to be unpacked, assembled and sterilised and they’ll be in immediate use.”

“The surgeons are delighted. It’s going to make their work easier and increase efficiencies having the new equipment in the theatres,” Cate said.

Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mr Konrad Schwanecke is joined by Wairarapa CE, Adri Isbister (left) and Business Manager, Selina Sutherland Hospital, Cate Tyrer.


Chief Executive of Wairarapa District Health Board, Adri Isbister, agrees. “It is an exciting day,” she said. “Both hospital boards are pleased to see all the boxes arrive. By our surgeons smile, I think it’s probably better than Christmas.”

Board Chair, Sir Paul Collins, acknowledged the gift. “We are extremely grateful for the collaboration and support from Selina Sutherland Hospital,” he said. “The new equipment is being delivered at no additional cost to Wairarapa DHB, and we have unrestricted use of it in our perioperative department. The benefits for the hospital are huge.”

Dr Tim Matthews and Sir Paul Collins signed the Memorandum of Understanding on 26th February and the equipment was delivered on 1st March. It is expected to be ready for use by 12 March.