The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) in Parktown, seeks to raise awareness around congenital heart defects (CHD) in children.
Paediatric cardiologist at the hospital Dr Mamaila Lebea stressed the fact that early intervention was key to seeing improved outcomes.
“With appropriate care, the prognosis for most children with CHD is excellent with 85 per cent expected to survive to adulthood,” said Lebea.
Congenital heart defects are the most common type of birth defect with one in 100 babies born with it.
Lebea said CHD symptoms included shortness of breath, repeated chest infections, failure to gain weight, tiring or sweating during feeds, easy fatigue during play, blue discolouration of the tongue and swelling of the body.
“Parents should consult with a doctor if they are concerned about any of the above symptoms. The doctor will do a full assessment and refer to a paediatric cardiologist if worried.”
The hospital also launched the #GiveLikeTheyAreYours campaign at the start of heart month. The campaign seeks to highlight the extensive work the hospital has put in place over the years and calls on South Africans to open their hearts to ensure that children at the hospital continue to be saved, even during the uncertain times of Covid-19.
The communications manager at the hospital, Ayabulela Poro said the campaign was a call for the public to serve, such as Madiba did, by making the hospital their charity of choice.
“By doing this, they are leading in Madiba’s footsteps and supporting his lasting wish to ensure that we look after the health of our future leaders,” said Poro.
The hospital saw their first on-site kidney transplant during lockdown thanks to a great collaboration with hospital partners.
“Above the services that we continue to roll out, we also continue to see patients from many surrounding provinces and outside of our borders through our referral network,” added Poro.
“Covid-19 has also seen a lot of innovation from our teams and has shown the importance of dedicated hospitals like NMCH so that children’s healthcare needs are not neglected.”
Details: Email Ayabulela Poro on Ayabulela.Poro@nmch.org.za or call 011 214 5615.
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