The Southern District Health Board yesterday announced trainees would be back at the hospital, after an inspection by the New Zealand Orthopaedic Association (NZOA).
There were no trainee orthopaedic surgeons this year after the association decided not to allocate three trainees.
But late last year, the SDHB successfully appealed the decision, which the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons set aside.
The NZOA at the time said the association disagreed with the decision, but was happy to re-inspect the department, and hoped the SDHB would address ‘‘deficiencies'' outlined in a inspection report.
The inspection took place on March 24, resulting in a recommendation to reinstate trainees in orthopaedic surgery next year.
Medical director of patient services Richard Bunton said yesterday he was delighted with the result.
‘‘The reallocation of trainees for 2017 is both appropriate and exciting news.''
Mr Bunton said the health board had a morning operating theatre dedicated to orthopaedics, and the role of a part-time surgeon had been replaced with a full-time role.
As well, there was a review under way into what staff were needed in the department.
Those changes had helped the decision to allocate trainees.
