THERE has been a significant decrease in the number of neonatal deaths at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), and this is directly attributed to reinforcement of preventative measures at that health institution.A statement from the Ministry of Public Health disclosed that the administration and doctors of the GPHC have been working closely with the Ministry of Public Health, and have been receiving advice and support from the Canada-based charitable organisation named Guyana Help the Kids (GHTK) to reduce the number of neonatal deaths at the hospital.
The measures, reinforced to curb the incidence of neonatal deaths, include the full sanitisation of the maternity bloc at the hospital, and conversion of some rooms of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and special areas in order to house and provide care for high-risk babies.
Additionally, mothers have been encouraged to remain with their babies, to access further neonatal care.
Proper infection control and strict guidelines for adorning clean clothing, gowns, masks and shoe covers have been reinforced for all personnel. One hundred per cent hand washing with appropriate solutions has also contributed to the significant reduction in the number of neonatal deaths, it has been explained to this publication.
The mortality rate for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admissions, which had been averaging 35 per cent during the past few months, has dropped to seven per cent in the month of November; and Public Health Minister Dr George Norton, along with technical officers, will continue to engage the doctors of the GPHC and the GHTK to ensure continued decline in the number of neonatal deaths.
The Minister applauds Dr Sara Singh as well as the paediatric physicians, nurses and other staff of the NICU, for championing the reinforcement of these measures with support and guidance from Guyana Help the Kids.
Unfortunately, some babies are born very prematurely or with significant congenital abnormalities, both of which put them at high risk for death.
However, the Ministry of Public Health, in partnership with the GHTK, will continue to provide training for doctors and nurses, and upgrade equipment to improve facilities at the GPHC’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, while minimising the incidence of neonatal deaths.
Work is presently being undertaken to ensure that the Neonatal Intensive Care Units at the West Demerara Regional Hospital and the New Amsterdam Hospital are fully functional soon.