60 children will receive ENT surgeries at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital
The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital in Parktown through a partnership with Smith and Nephew has committed to doing 60 ENT surgeries for children in need.
With more than 300 children, per hospital on average, on the waiting list for ear, nose and throat surgeries, a partnership between a local hospital and firm is most welcome. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital (NMCH) on July 17 announced its partnership with global medical technology firm, Smith and Nephew. The two giants in healthcare have committed to working together in reducing the backlog of 1000 ear, nose and throat (ENT) children’s surgeries.
The hospital committed to doing 60 surgeries through a procedure known as adenotonsillectomy, which will cost about R10 000 each.
Head of neonatal intensive care unit at NMCH, Dr Pinky Chirwa said they have selected children who have been on the waiting list for three years to partake in this initiative.
“These children have been waiting at the referral hospitals for this long. On our own as NMCH, we do not have enough funds to cater for such surgeries hence the importance of this partnership,” said Dr Chirwa.
She added that very few hospitals offer intensive care units for children and NMCH being the only hospital dedicated to children made children feel more comfortable being there. The Dr said the need for ENT surgeries is huge and there are children with serious ENT problems which affect their breathing systems.
Dr Chirwa said this was a first-of-its-kind and exciting partnership but with the number of waiting lists and lack of funds, the waiting period could be another three years or so.
“So we need sponsorships and partnerships of this nature because it goes a long way. Public patients are set to benefit more from this initiative because they will obtain surgery free of charge to the NMCH. Private hospital patients can pay from medical aid,” she said.
The surgeries would be done as part of ENT Week from July 17 to 27.
NMCH has availed the expertise of ENT surgeons, Dr. Mogau Lamola and Dr. Vuyo Ulana who have vast experience in General Pediatric ENT and are passionate about caring for children. They will be working together with doctors from the Provincial Health Department.
NMCH CEO Dr. Nonkululeko Boikhutso said, “The NMCH is committed to partnering with various stakeholders in matters related to children’s care and health. By undertaking 60 surgeries during Mandela month, the NMCH is demonstrating its willingness to assist in reducing this backlog.”
Five benefits of having an adenotonsillectomy procedure:
- Improved quality of life
- Fewer infections
- Less use of medication
- Improved sleep
- Less time off work or school.
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