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On Thursday, 07 July 2016, The Children’s Hospital Trust will be making a very generous donation of a transport ventilator worth well over R723 000, 00 to the pediatric flying squad, a division of Western Cape Government Health Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo said that, “Working together with all sectors of society, we can help forge a stronger health system that continues to provide quality healthcare to the most vulnerable members of our communities. We are delighted by the Children’s Hospital Trust’s donation which will guarantee we are able to provide critical emergency care to young children.”
The aim of the project is to ensure the safe and effective emergency transport of critically ill babies and children under the age of 13. From 1 November 2015 to 31 January 2016, 289 transfers were performed by just one vehicle within the flying squad’s fleet. Reducing pediatric and neonatal deaths is a very high priority for the Western Province. Critically ill children and babies often require transportation by EMS whether from home to hospital or between medical facilities and this would not be possible without the specialized equipment such as a transport ventilator so kindly donated by the Children’s Hospital Trust.“Approximately 31 children are transferred to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital each month. Eighteen of these children are ventilated. This new equipment will benefit at least 216 children a year, who are some of the sickest and most unstable patients to visit the Hospital. We are very excited to see the new ventilators rolled out in the paediatric flying squad ambulance, contributing to the safe and effective emergency transportation of critically ill babies and children,” says CEO for the Children’s Hospital Trust, Louise Driver.
The handover is taking place at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital at 11h00 AM and all media are very welcome to please attend the occasion.
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