In September 2026, Melbourne Hand Therapy’s Sharon Goldby travelled to Tonga as part of an Interplast training program alongside plastic surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied health clinicians from Melbourne and Sydney.
The program focused on supporting local clinicians to build skills in plastic and reconstructive surgery, perioperative care and rehabilitation. During the visit, the team saw 61 patients and performed 27 operations, with additional hand and burns therapy patients seen throughout the week. The surgical caseload included burn contractures, cleft palates, congenital hand and foot conditions, complex wounds and severe facial and neck burns.
A key focus for Sharon was hand therapy training linked directly to the surgical program. Rather than relying on expensive thermoplastic materials commonly used in Australia, the team deliberately worked with materials that were inexpensive and readily available locally. These included plumbing pipe that could be heated and flattened, contact adhesive, Velcro and lining materials.
Sharon worked alongside local staff to demonstrate splint and pattern making, fitting splints in theatre and at early post-operative reviews, wound care following tendon repairs, and the clinical reasoning behind splinting for wound protection, correction of deformity and mobilisation. Local clinicians were also supported with training in anatomy, paediatric and adult hand conditions, burn rehabilitation and scar management.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was seeing local clinicians develop confidence using the materials and resources available to them. Sharon noted the strong collaboration between the surgical and allied health teams, with local staff involved throughout the patient journey from theatre through to post-operative rehabilitation.
Interplast has been delivering programs in Tonga since 1984 and continues to work alongside local medical and allied health teams to strengthen local capability in reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. Its work in Tonga includes developing local capacity in hand therapy as well as ongoing surgical and clinical education programs.
For Sharon, the experience was both professionally rewarding and deeply memorable.
“It was a privilege to work with them and to be received with such warmth and generosity. They are a wonderful nation and people, culturally rich and proud of their heritage and country.”
We’re pleased to share that Dr. Phillip Hughes recently delivered an educational session to the Healthcare Australia team on the assessment and treatment of shoulder conditions in older adults.
The session explored practical considerations when managing shoulder presentations in the geriatric population, including the role of age-related changes, strength, function and co-existing health conditions in assessment and rehabilitation.
The presentation was very well received, with attendees describing the session as informative, relevant and enjoyable. Feedback also highlighted Phillip’s engaging teaching style and the value of sharing his clinical experience and knowledge.
The session also generated thoughtful clinical discussion and questions around managing chronic tendon tears, shoulder stiffness, pain, overhead activity and exercise considerations in complex presentations.
We’re proud to have Phillip representing Melbourne Hand Therapy and Melbourne Shoulder Therapy and sharing our commitment to practical, evidence-based and individualised care with fellow health professionals.
This month we’re delighted to recognise Morgan Klooger as our Member of the Month!
Morgan is an experienced and highly valued member of the Melbourne Hand Therapy team, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the treatment and rehabilitation of hand and upper-limb conditions.
A particular strength Morgan brings to her role is her ability to work closely and collaboratively with surgeons, helping to ensure patients receive well-coordinated care throughout their recovery. She has built strong professional relationships and is trusted to manage patients through all stages of their rehabilitation, from the early post-operative period through to returning to work, sport and everyday life.
Morgan is knowledgeable, committed to her patients and always willing to support her colleagues and help across our clinics when needed.
We’re incredibly lucky to have Morgan as part of the MHT team and very pleased to celebrate everything she brings to our patients, referrers and team.
Congratulations, Morgan! 
“Morgan is always incredibly kind & understanding towards her patients during their hand therapy sessions with her.”
Have you experienced exceptional care or teamwork from someone at MHT? We’d love to hear about it.
Help us celebrate those who go above and beyond.
