Mediclinic Hermanus opened its doors to an expanded paediatric unit and new Neo-Natal ICU (NICU). This long awaited project was in response to a growing demand for care from the Overberg community, which in itself has experienced tremendous growth in recent years.
The opening of the NICU provides the reassurance for new parents that should anything unexpected occur during the baby’s birth, such as an early arrival, care is within arm’s reach. The local community now has easy access to world class care for vulnerable newborn babies as well as older children experiencing the usual childhood infections.
“Babies are a precious gift to parents and we want to form part of this special unique experience,” explains Dr Madelein Grobbelaar, Paediatrician at Mediclinic Hermanus. “We also want to reassure our expectant parents that the NICU at Mediclinic Hermanus is equipped for any medical emergency, providing specialist care in Hermanus.”
The child-friendly environment is supported by experienced, friendly surgeons and nursing staff, with the aim of getting patients well on the way to recovery, and allowing them to return home as soon as possible.
“As a result of their often immature immune systems, children can be at risk for simple things such as extreme fever or dehydration,” explains Dr Elna Gibson, Paediatrician at Mediclinic Hermanus. “We are able to accommodate parents staying overnight with their children as we believe that a sick child needs the parent with them to reduce the trauma of hospitalisation.”