Vincent Pallotti Hospital acquires two specialist urogynaecologists

Dr Steven Jeffery

The appointments form part of the Group's long-term objective of creating a fully functional and sustainable Pelvic Floor Clinic at Life Vincent Pallotti, to pioneer innovation in endoscopic surgery, education in reproductive medicine, and provide high quality treatment options to women. Dr Jeffery and Dr Kruger will share an academic position at the University of Cape Town and a private practice at Vincent Pallotti Hospital.

Importantly, there are also no recognised urogynaecology fellowships in South Africa, which led Dr Kruger to complete a two-year fellowship in Toronto, Canada. He returned to South Africa to share his newfound knowledge with the local obstetric medical profession. Similarly, Dr Jeffrey is a Royal College (London) accredited subspecialist urogynaecologist and keen teacher.

"The hospital is currently the only clinic in the country that is registered to train students and registrars in reproductive medicine. We are recognised by the University of Stellenbosch and the South African Medical Council as a training unit for scientists and reproductive fellows (gynaecologists) and is the only private clinic in South Africa with such a certificate. Our focus on education and skills development adds value, building a strong legacy of people who excel in their fields of expertise and who continue to contribute academically, like Dr Kruger and Dr Jeffrey," says colleague Professor Igno Siebert, Aevitas Clinic, Life Vincent Pallotti.

André Meyer, CEO for the group says, "On behalf of Life Healthcare, I extend a warm welcome to both Dr Jeffrey and Dr Kruger, and wish them the best in bringing their world-class practices to one of our top hospitals in the Western Cape. We expect their combined skills to have a positive impact on treatment provided to patients and we will support them in their future endeavours to transfer their skill and grow the specialty locally."

There are a very limited number of recognised urogynaecologists in the entire country, making urogynaecology a sought after speciality. Urogynaecology is a fairly new subspecialty and is fast-growing, with increasing rates of pelvic floor disorders fuelling a high demand for care and services. Together, these two specialists will combine vast experience and skills to bring cutting-edge treatment and sought-after endoscopic surgery to women who have complex cases related to Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS).

Women affected by pelvic floor disorders such as stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse are often referred to urogynaecologists, as are women who are in need of specialised care for complications stemming from various vaginal procedures. Unfortunately, the lack of such specialists in South Africa leaves many women wanting for the correct treatment.