I spent yesterday with the pediatricians in Paarl Hospital, the secondary level hospital that provides care to the children in the Drakenstein Valley. Its actually split over two sites, one depicted above, the TC Newman / Paarl East Hospital, and the main hospital. I spent the morning on rounds with the house doctors (residents / registrars / locums) in neonatology, the main children's ward and the gastro ward.
The hospitals look a little run down but they have MUCH more available than in other places I've worked. One chronic problem they have is a shortage of doctors, including consultant pediatricians. The ones they have work SO hard! They were really friendly & welcoming, and enthusiastic about our study.
The big problems there? Acute respiratory infection, gastroenteritis, malnutrition. Prematurity and low birth weight as well. They do have access to the usual tests and antibiotics and some of the high end ones - there were 3 kids on Vancomycin & Meropenem (the really big guns).
The day provided a real boost for my spirits, to remember what it is I am doing here.
1 comment:
you are making a difference, laura! you go girl!
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