The National Referral Hospital, Dental Department yesterday received medical and dental supplies from the Rotary Club of Ballarat West, Melbourne, Australia.
The Health Permanent Secretary, Head of Dental Department, NRH senior doctors and nurses and Dental doctors and nurses together with the Rotary Club of Ballarat West members all attended the handover ceremony.
Speaking at the handover, Health Permanent Secretary Mrs. Pauline McNeil said the handover ceremony demonstrated the culmination of a partnership between the dental department of NRH and the Rotary Club of Ballarat West, Melbourne. That started in 20217, with the first visit that same year, followed by a second visit in 2023, and now the latest visit in 2025.
Health Permanent Secretary said through-out the years and under the unwavering leadership and commitment from Dr. David Goldsmith, the partnership flourished. In 2017 the team donated 7 chairs along with much needed dental instruments and equipment such as a dental compressor and suction. The team renovated the current building and installed the equipment and furniture. In 2023 the team donated more dental equipment.
“This year’s visit is special. A further 7 dental chairs, an operating microscope, a digital x-ray amongst other important equipment and dental materials were donated. This along with equipment, wheelchairs, beds and linen for the hospital wards.
“Furthermore, a customized dental van (value AUD$$450K) purposely retrofitted for the school dental program is the latest gift for this year’s Rotary club visit. This is very timely, noting the emphasis that the Ministry of Health places on primary health care, decentralization of health services, and improving accessibility to health care especially for our school aged children. This is truly a game changer for the school oral health services”.
“Dr. Goldsmith and your team, the dental Department and the Ministry of Health greatly appreciates the endless commitment your team has displayed. In fact, the Dental department would not be able to provide clinical care over the past few years if it were not for the donations that the Rotary Club of Ballarat West, Melbourne, Australia”, said Mrs. McNeil.
She said the Rotary Club of Ballarat has been the lifeline for the Dental Department. Their assistance has made a huge difference to; oral examinations, dental extractions and dental restorations are being done here at the clinic.
“And with the latest donation of the dental van, we can assure you that more school children will be seen and treated. Your kind hearts has enabled the dental department to continue to serve and meet the oral health needs of this country.
“Please convey our sincere gratitude to all the members and supporters of the Rotary Club of Ballarat West, Victoria Health, and the Government of Australia”, said Mrs. McNeil.
Head of Dental Department, Dr Elisson Vane and NRH Representative of Nursing Manager Mrs. Florida Pratt both thanked the Rotary Club of Ballarat West for the donated supplies and equipment’s as it will definitely serve those who seek medical assistance and dental service at the hospital.
Meanwhile, Rotary Club of Ballarat West Representative Dr David Goldsmith acknowledged the Health Permanent Secretary, Head of Dental, doctors and nurses for welcoming the Rotary Club of Ballarat West members to SI. He said he first visited NRH in 2017 and that year he saw the needs of the Dental Department. He said they are grateful to support the hospital and will continue to work closely with the Dental Department, NRH and MHMS to identify areas within the Dental Department and NRH that needs assistant.
In the meantime, the mobile dental van will be cleared this week and to be used for outreach in Honiara schools for dental screening of our boys and girls. It is hoped that this School dental screening program will be rolled out to the Provinces once the programme’s policy and strategy are in place.
