Donation addresses vision challenges for prem babies
QUEEN Nandi Regional Hospital can now screen premature infants for possible blindness following the donation by Hillside Aluminium of a critical machine.
The smelter in Richards Bay donated R3-million to the maternity hospital in Empangeni for a retina camera and an ICU access control system for the neonatal wards.
Dr Letlhogonolo Sepeng, head of clinical unit (neonatology) at Queen Nandi, said the retina camera (RetCam) is a great relief for the facility as they will no longer have to transport infants to Ngwelezana Hospital for screening.
‘We are extremely fortunate to have been awarded this gift. As it stands, we are one of two institutions in KZN that have the RetCam machine, and one in four institutions in South Africa,’ said Dr Sepeng, adding that retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of a number of complications from which premature infants can suffer.
‘It is one of the leading causes of blindness in children if not screened for and treated timeously.
‘In most institutions, screening for ROP is performed by the ophthalmologist once the babies at risk have been identified by the pediatricians.
‘At times, screening may not be possible, given that South Africa is a low-middle income country and, therefore, resources and specialties are not always available,’ said Dr Sepeng.
With the machine being in-house, pediatricians at Queen Nandi will now be
able to do the screening themselves.
‘Should they warrant treatment, it will not be delayed. We will be able to teleport the images and have discussions with our ophthalmology colleagues.
'The retina camera can also be used for screening and diagnosing childhood eye cancers like retinoblastoma, trauma-induced conditions like Shaken Baby Syndrome, and other conditions.
‘We can never quantify the gratitude we have for this gift, and believe it will add to the optimal care we aim to give our babies
daily,’ said Dr Sepeng.
Speaking on behalf of Hillside Aluminium, vice president of operations Calvin Mkhabela said the company remains committed to supporting its communities.
'We contribute to projects that support community health and social well-being to achieve sustainable development,' said Mkhabela.
'A project like this is critical, not just for this area, but the broader province. We commend the team at Queen Nandi for the marvellous work they continue to do.'