Ten surgeons and 15 anesthesiologists on staff at Marin General Hospital helped 44 patients in 2005 through the Operation Access program – a non-profit organization that helps connect uninsured patients with free surgical care through a network of Bay Area medical volunteers, hospitals and community clinics.

Sixty-five percent of the patients received specialized procedures, such as gastrointestinal, gynecology or ophthalmology. Thirty-five percent received general surgical services, like hernia repair or cyst removal.

Most patients were employed Latinos who did not speak English, according to an Operation Access report. Patients were referred through five Marin clinics.

Active surgeons participating last year were: Drs. Romeo Agbayani (otolaryngology), Patrick Bennett (urology), Charles Bookoff (obstetrics/ gynecology), David Galland (obstetrics/gynecology), David Goltz (orthopedic), Jonathan Levin (general surgery), Jahangir Sadeghi (ophthalmology), Lydia Schrader (general surgery), Josephine Van Helmond (colorectal) and Ann Vercoutere (general surgery). Bennett, Levin, Sadeghi and Van Helmond are also on staff at Novato Community Hospital.

The anesthesiologists are members of Anesthesia Consultants of Marin.

Feb. 13, 2006