Calvary Adelaide Hospital

29/10/2026

Congratulations to our Structural Heart team who this week completed the 400th TAVI procedure here at Calvary Adelaide!

The 400th patient was undertaken by Dr Cameron Dowling (Nightingale Cardiology) and Dr Anthony Chuang (SA Heart), and this milestone was reached in conjunction with cases by Advara HeartCare, and Heart & Vascular. Together, the hospital team and the three cardiology groups have contributed to this outstanding program achievement since the first patient was undertaken in August 2022.

For suitable patients, Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) procedures are a minimally invasive option, used to replace a diseased aortic valve of the heart. A new valve is delivered through a catheter, most commonly via an artery in the groin, and positioned within the existing valve.

Once the TAVI is completed, most patients get out of bed and walk within 4-6 hours, and many are discharged home within 1–3 days.

Since the Structural Heart program began here four years ago, we are proud to now host the largest private TAVI program in SA. With a growing team and an expanding procedural offering, our commitment to optimal patient outcomes remains at the forefront of our service.

advaraheartcare.com/
heartandvascular.com.au/
nightingalecardiology.com/
saheart.com.au/

21/10/2026

This Pastoral Care Week we recognise and acknowledge the contribution of our Pastoral Care Practitioners and the important role they play in living the Spirit of Calvary, "being for others".

Every person who enters our care has their own unique story and way of looking at life. At times of illness, hardship and challenges, life and expectations as we know it may change and reshape.

Inspired by Kintsugi - the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquered gold - this year's theme 'Healing through presence and compassion' reminds us that healing isn't always about what's fixing what is broken; in the same way hiding the hard parts of life. Sometimes it is by being there as a compassionate presence to listen, and then linking in the supports that are important to a person, if required.

Our small pastoral care team quietly works alongside patients, families and caregivers across the hospital - through some of life's most significant moments where life's broken pieces are held together with the care of fine gold. This compassionate, emotional, spiritual and wellbeing support is available to people of all faiths, every day of the year.

15/10/2026

Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of people. Our spine health is important to take care of and we don't need to wait until we have a sore back before we start.

In this edition of our Q&A series with Calvary specialists, Orthopod Dr Carlos Lijo talks about spine health for life, and how the number one thing we can do is to keep moving.

At Calvary, we have highly skilled specialists like Dr Lijo who consult and operate with us, supported by specialised nursing and allied health staff. Services related to the spine are offered across our Calvary Adelaide and North Adelaide hospitals in SA.

15/10/2026

11/10/2026

**Content warning - this post mentions pregnancy and infant loss **

Today on International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, we remember and hold space for those little ones who are no longer with us.

In this edition of our Q&A series with Calvary specialists, Obstetrician Dr Vesh Pillay talks about the individualised spectrum of loss and the significant impact it has on families. She highlights the challenges of navigating a future pregnancy, and how it is important to lean in to your maternity care provider and seek help.

At Calvary, we have highly skilled specialists like Dr Pillay who offer preconception, antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care - all supported by specialised midwifery and allied health staff. These services are provided at our Calvary North Adelaide Hospital.

If you or someone you love is impacted by loss, grief support is available:
The pink elephants support network -
pinkelephants.org.au/
PANDA - 1300 726 306
Panda.org.au/
Red Nose - 1300 308 307
rednose.org.au/grief-and-loss-support/overview/

Dr Vesh Pillay - oandg.com.au/

09/10/2026

There to listen, support and guide, Calvary has Mental Health First Aid officers at each hospital, available in person or over the phone.

These staff members have volunteered to be trained and accredited through Mental Health First Aid International, so that they are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and skills to provide colleagues with initial mental health information and support when it matters most.

Today on World Mental Health Day, we want to acknowledge and thank all our Mental Health First Aid Officers for all that they do. Their support happens quietly behind the scenes, but it can mean the world to those who need it. We are incredibly grateful to know you are there for us.

04/10/2026

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women, with over 20,000 new cases each year. It is vital that people are aware of good breast health and what to look out for.

In this edition of our Q&A series with Calvary specialists, Breast surgeon Dr Steve Kinsey-Trotman talks about breast cancer in both women and men, what the risk factors are, how important it is to be aware of changes, and seeking help when needed.

At Calvary, we have highly skilled specialists like Dr Kinsey-Trotman who consult and operate with us, supported by specialised nursing and allied health staff including dedicated Breast Care nurses.

If you need to see a specialist, Calvary's Breast and Endocrine Centres are offered at Calvary North Adelaide Hospital and at the Playford Health Hub, so you can be seen with minimal surgical wait times.

To book an appointment, speak with your GP or call the service directly on 8282 5300.

Find out more:
Breast Cancer Network Australia bcna.org.au/
Dr Steve Kinsey-Trotman drstevekt.com.au/

01/10/2026

Patricia noticed she had a splinter in her forearm after gardening, and thought she had removed all of it at the time. Unfortunately, a small piece had broken off inside her muscle, and it wasn't until her hand swelled and she got very unwell that Patricia knew something was wrong. The small piece had turned septic and needed to be surgically removed immediately. While the operation saved her life, it has left her with an open wound which requires specialist care for several weeks while it slowly heals and closes.

"Because my wound is so bad - with a tendon exposed, I was coming in every third day after I left hospital for it to be treated. Now it's dropped back to once every seven days, and later when it gets even better, a home care nurse will be able to take care of it."

Patricia is being looked after at the clinic by wound care nurse Luna, who has specialist skills in this area. She is able to monitor her wound closely, seek advice immediately from the nearby doctor if required, and then discharge Patricia to home care when the time is right.

"Being able to provide this continuity of care is so important, and make a big difference to patients as they heal these complex wounds." Luna says.

Patricia knows how integral specialised wound care is for her healing and is very appreciative to be able to access the clinic.

"I am not someone who is used to sitting around not doing much. I was very active in my garden and helping with my grandchildren. This wound (on my dominant arm) has really slowed me down and I have really struggled mentally. Seeing Luna and Liah at the clinic has helped me immensely and really sped along my healing - I hate to think what I would have done without it."

29/09/2026

Here is part two of our chat with Prof Diwan on Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), where we hear about how Artificial Intelligence is helping with research and management of SCI, along with what other initiatives are underway.

Find out more:
SpineLabs: adelaide.edu.au/about/school/medicine/our-research/spinelabs/
Neurosurgery+Spine: nands.com.au/

29/09/2026

In this edition of our Q&A series with Calvary specialists, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon Prof Ashish Diwan takes us through the elements that make up the spine, how it can be injured and the impacts of that injury on the individual. Finishing off for part one, he also talks about the common causes of a spinal cord injury (SCI) - and how it is a lot more common than you may realise.

At Calvary, we have highly skilled specialists like Prof Diwan who consult and operate with us, supported by specialised nursing and allied health staff. Consults, procedures and surgery relating to the spine are offered at our Calvary Adelaide and North Adelaide hospitals in SA.

Stay tuned for part two!

Find out more:
SpineLabs: adelaide.edu.au/about/school/medicine/our-research/spinelabs/
Neurosurgery+Spine: nands.com.au/