Africa-Press – South-Africa. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital has partnered with a global medical technology firm, Smith and Nephew, to commemorate Mandela Month and reduce the backlog of 1 000 ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeries.
The hospital and the medical firm have committed to performing 60 surgeries, known as adenotonsillectomy, which will cost approximately R10 000 each.
In a statement, the hospital said the surgeries would be done as part of ENT Week, which is running from 17 to 27 July.
“Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital has availed the expertise of ENT surgeons, Dr Mogau Lamola and Dr Vuyo Ulana. Both doctors have vast experience in General Paediatric ENT and are equally passionate about caring for children.
“They will be working together with doctors from the provincial health department at Leratong, Thelle Mogoerane and Pholosong Hospitals,” said the hospital.
The hospital’s CEO, Dr Nonkululeko Boikhutso, said: “The Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital is committed to partnering with various stakeholders in matters related to children’s care and health.
“By undertaking 60 surgeries during Mandela Month, the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital is willing to assist in reducing this backlog.
“Yesterday (Monday), we performed 14 surgeries, and we plan on performing 15 today (Tuesday), to ensure we reach 60 by the end of the week.”
Boikhutso added that this was the first ENT partnership and the surgeries would continue even after the partnership, so as to reduce the backlog as much as possible.
The hospital’s clinical director, Dr Pinky Chirwa, said: “Through public-private partnerships like these, we can witness and experience Madiba’s legacy in action.”
“This is a demonstration of how society cares for children. We are urging more corporates to join us in our campaigns by supporting our programmes as health budgets are under pressure.”
The hospital highlighted the benefits of the adenotonsillectomy procedure as follows:
Improved quality of life: Tonsillitis can be painful and frustrating. However, a successful tonsillectomy can improve your overall quality of life. There is a reduction in the number of sore throat episodes.
Fewer infections: As tonsils will be removed, one’s general health improves. Those who experience tonsillitis caused by bacteria end up with fewer infections.
Less use of medication: If you have fewer tonsillitis infections, you will find that you’ll be prescribed less medication, such as antibiotics.
Improved sleep: When your tonsils become infected, they can swell or become enlarged. This can be disruptive to your sleep. A lack of sleep can make you feel tired during the day and can have a negative impact on your mood. A tonsillectomy can help resolve other sleep-related issues, such as sleep apnoea. This is where the tonsils get so large that they block the upper airway, which causes snoring and disrupts breathing.
Less time off work or school: Tonsillitis can be pretty uncomfortable, so it often results in absence from school or work.
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