Media representatives are invited to attend a function to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the Wellington-based Surgical Research Trust - and to hear four briefings from local medical leaders on surgical advances driven from Wellington.

The function is on Wednesday 22 July from 5pm in the Civic 3 Room, Wellington Town Hall.

Health Minister Tony Ryall will address the function, and short briefings will be given by: Dr Peter Larsen - barriers to restarting the heart (issues relating to the purchase and use of portable defibrillators for community use) Prof Richard Stubbs - health benefits of obesity surgery (including the sudden cessation of diabetes following 'stomach stapling' surgery) Mr Peter Devane - the use of new computer technologies in orthopaedics (including high-resolution imaging to allow non-invasive checks on the maintenance of artificial joints) Mr Martin Hunn - seeking a cure for brain tumours.

The Trust's Chairman, Professor Geoffrey Horne, will also announce new sponsorship from Wellington-based buggy specialists phil&teds - which will provide 2500 cute and cuddly teddybears for youngsters undergoing surgery in Wellington, Christchurch, Hutt, Hamilton and Masterton Hospitals, and phil&teds will give a donation to the Trust for surgical research.

Professor Horne says the Trust is particularly grateful to phil&teds. "Their generosity will provide great comfort for lots of young kids going through tough times - and it'll help the Trust continue its central role - which is to promote advances in surgery for the benefit of the entire community."

The Surgical Research Trust was initially established to support the development of research in the Department of Surgery at the Wellington School of Medicine. Now the support has been expanded to the surgical departments of several other hospitals around the country.

The Trust receives funding from bequests and generous donations from the public.