–as part of second Paediatric Cardiac Mission of 2024

THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) has announced the successful completion of the second Paediatric Cardiac Mission for 2024, after the final two patients were discharged on Tuesday.
According to a press release from the GPHC, the mission, which commenced on August 3, has provided lifesaving surgical interventions to eight paediatric patients, ranging in age from one to 17 years old, all of whom are now home recovering.
The mission began with a screening clinic where eligible patients were selected for surgery, based on the urgency of their condition.

Priority was given to those in critical need of surgical intervention, provided they were healthy enough to undergo the procedure without added risk. After careful assessment, eight patients were chosen to receive open-heart surgeries.
“We are proud to report that all eight surgeries were successful, and all patients have been discharged from our facilities. They will continue to receive follow-up care through routine clinic visits as part of their ongoing recovery process,” the GPHC said.
This mission was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the visiting international team from Gift of Life International (GOLI), which included surgeons, anaesthetists, perfusionists, intensivists, respiratory therapist, and operating room and intensive care nurses.

“Our local medical team worked alongside them, ensuring that all patients received the highest standard of care before, during, and after their surgeries. This mission was a comprehensive effort, with all hospital departments playing crucial supporting roles,” the GPHC related.
In addition to the complex and routine surgical interventions performed, the mission also focused on building local capacity. Training and teaching sessions were conducted for our local medical staff, thus fostering the enhancement of their knowledge and skills.
The GPHC said: “We are excited to announce that a third mission is planned for December 2024, continuing our commitment to providing lifesaving paediatric cardiac care, and strengthening our medical capabilities through international collaboration.”