Specialist surgical expertise used to care for patients at Pinderfields Hospital is helping to develop the skills of surgeons thousands of miles away in Ghana.

Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Mr Sunil Sah spent three days in Ghana, in July, delivering specialist training in advanced head and neck reconstructive surgery.

Mr Sah specialises in complex reconstructive surgery, with his clinical expertise supporting the care of patients across Wakefield, and the other Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust hospitals, for over 12 years.

The course in Ghana, which was in partnership with the University of Ghana Medical School, brought together 20 surgeons, from senior trainees to consultants, to develop their skills in complex head and neck reconstruction.

Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Mr Sunil Sah spent three days in Ghana over the summer.

placeholder image — Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Mr Sunil Sah spent three days in Ghana over the summer.

Importantly, the programme is focused on building sustainable expertise within Ghana.

The aim was to equip local surgeons with advanced skills they can use to treat their own patients and, in time, share with other surgeons.

Mr Sah, who chairs the Norman Rowe International Education Foundation, said: “Sharing skills and knowledge is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

"Alongside caring for patients here at Mid Yorkshire, having opportunities to teach, develop others and share expertise more widely is something I find incredibly fulfilling.

“The aim of this work is to give surgeons the skills and confidence to deliver these techniques themselves and, in time, pass that knowledge on to others.

"It was a privilege to work with such an enthusiastic group of surgeons in Ghana and to see their commitment to developing reconstructive surgery for their patients.”

Mr Sah plans to return to Ghana in January 2027 to deliver further training in microvascular reconstruction.