Neurosurgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital

The Department of Neurosurgery of the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) is a major neurosurgery program and academic leader in Australasia. In 1998, the RMH marked its 150th anniversary. The department of neurosurgery was established in 1945 under the direction of R.S. Hooper and has produced many distinguished neurosurgeons since its founding. The department is currently directed by Andrew Kaye, who is also the James Stewart Professor of Surgery at the University of Melbourne. In 1997-1998, the neurosurgery department received 2930 admissions and performed 2225 operations, with 11 neurosurgeons on staff and a strong focus on subspecialization. The neurosurgeons have varying time commitments to the hospital and to research, but many are on site full-time. The RMH is a university teaching hospital as well as a public hospital; therefore, there is no financial burden for any patient. The RMH is closely linked to the adjacent Melbourne Private Hospital, where privately insured patients are treated. The department of neurosurgery maintains close links with the departments of neurology, ophthalmology, and neuropsychiatry, which together form the Melbourne Neuroscience Centre. There is a strong emphasis on undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, as well as clinical and laboratory research. Neurosurgery trainees are encouraged to undertake laboratory research and pursue higher academic degrees. Despite economic restraints, the department continues to grow in strength, and we remain optimistic of exciting times ahead for neurosurgery at the RMH in the new millennium.