Endoscopic surgery gets skills injection
The Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital's Surgical Skills Training Centre is on track to open its doors on 15 June 2011. The fundraising campaign was first launched in June 2010 with a special visit by Prince William and Prince Harry. The training centre will mark a significant occasion as it will reputedly be the first paediatric endoscopic surgical training facility of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.
Surgeons performing endoscopic surgery at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital.
The centre will be used to train medical staff in paediatrics as well as adult surgical procedures and comes with a total cost of R13.8 million for building and equipping.
The building of the Surgical Training Centre and other such specialist facilities at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital would not be possible without the support of its donors. Sea Harvest is one such donor and has been instrumental in raising funds for the Surgical Skills Centre through their own 'Kids for Kids' fundraising campaign, whereby everyone can help by purchasing Sea Harvest coated products, 10c from the sale of each box is being donated to the Surgical Skills Training Centre. The campaign began in November 2010 and ends on 31 January 2011.
A vital project
"Sea Harvest is exceptionally proud and honoured to be part of such a vital project that will forever change the medical landscape of South Africa, touching the lives of so many. We look forward to opening the doors of this life changing centre" says Felix Ratheb, sales and marketing director of Sea harvest.
The Children's Hospital Trust, the Fundraising Arm of the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital was tasked with raising R13.8million for the Surgical Skills Training Centre in June 2010. Approximately 90% of the funds have already been raised and pledged at the close of 2010.
"The Children's Hospital Trust is most grateful to committed supporters like Sea Harvest who share our passion for the well-being of children in Africa. 100% of the money raised in the 'Kids for Kids' promotion will go towards the building of a Surgical Skills Training Centre. We are delighted to be part of this fundraising initiative as it is a great idea that by healthy kids eating food they love they are ensuring that the hospital will be able to continue giving other sick children the very best medical care.
Many benefits to endoscopic surgery
"We are reliant on the generosity of both Corporates and the community for donations so that we can continue to assist the Hospital with critical fundraising projects to ensure this 56-year-old, world-renowned institution stays on the cutting edge of medical care," says Philippa Douglas, fundraising manager at the Children's Hospital Trust.
Endoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery is fast becoming a preferred method of surgery, where possible, in South Africa. This type of minimally invasive surgery can be performed on many organs in the body and has numerous benefits to both the patient and medical facility. There is however a shortage of endoscopic trained medical professionals in South Africa making the launch of the Surgical Skills Centre so crucial.
The benefits of minimally invasive surgery includes: less trauma, less pain, less time under anaesthetic, less chance of infection due to less cutting and open wounds and therefore, less time in hospital. It also minimises scarring dramatically due to the use of three tiny incisions for all procedures, with one normally being made in the naval.
Earlier this month two one-month-old babies were admitted to the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital in need of surgery. Both had successful, identical endoscopic minimally invasive surgeries performed on them within a day of each other. The babies were suffering from a blockage to the stomach, were unable to keep down any feeds, and were therefore at risk of suffering from dehydration, malnutrition and worse. Both babies were hospitalised for no more than four days and are back at home with their families and able to feed normally.
For more information go to www.childrenshospitaltrust.org.za.
