By Janelle Hunter, Regional Sales Manager - Spine, New Zealand 

LifeHealthcare recently supported a spinal outreach initiative in Samoa through the donation of a Spinal Kit to the Samoa National Hospital. 

For many Samoan patients, acute spinal trauma has traditionally required medical evacuation to New Zealand for treatment, a process that can be costly, complex, and emotionally taxing for patients and their families. The transfer process often means delays to critical care, creating additional challenges for both the healthcare system and the community. 

During a recent three day visit, I worked alongside Dr Koen De Ridder, a Wellington-based spine surgeon, and Dr Areta Samuelu, Samoa’s leading spine surgeon, to perform decompression procedures and deliver training to nurses and registrars on the use of the system. Together, we also hosted a spine model workshop designed to enhance surgical skills and confidence within the local team. 

The outcomes were incredibly rewarding. With the system now available and the surgical team trained in its use, the Samoa National Hospital can stabilise spinal trauma fractures locally, reducing the need for overseas transfers and allowing patients to receive timely, high-quality care closer to home. 

Beyond the donation of equipment; it’s a step towards building sustainable surgical capability and ensuring communities can access the care they need, when and where they need it most. 

It was a privilege to contribute to this initiative and to witness firsthand the difference that shared expertise and partnership can make. Supporting our Pacific neighbours in Samoa is a reminder of the power of working together to empower local teams and create lasting impact for patients and their communities.