GPHC Successfully Completes 2nd Paediatric Cardiac Mission

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) successfully completed the second Paediatric Cardiac Mission for 2024, with the final two patients discharged ON Tuesday, August 13th, 2024. The corporation in a statement said the mission, which commenced on August 3rd, has provided lifesaving surgical interventions to eight paediatric patients, from ages one to 17, 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.

GPHC reported that all eight surgeries were successful and all patients have been discharged. The patients will continue to receive follow-up care through routine clinic visits as part of their ongoing recovery process.

The 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. GPHC medical team worked alongside GOLI ensuring that all patients received the highest standard of care before, during, and after their surgeries.

GPHC said  all the hospital’s departments played crucial supporting roles. The mission also focused on building local capacity. Training and teaching sessions were conducted for the local medical staff, aimed to foster the enhancement of local knowledge and skills.

The third mission is planned for December 2024.