Keeping the little ones warm

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GEORGE NEWS - The launch of something big at George Hospital will benefit very small individuals in their fight against hypothermia at birth.

A project called Beanies 4 Babies is currently operating in 10 hospitals country wide, and has now included George Hospital as their first branch in the Western Cape.

"We focus primarily on providing a knitted beanie and pair of socks to every premature and low birth weight baby born in government facilities, to help fight hypothermia," said the NGO's project coordinator Anneke van Schalkwyk.

Low birth weight and premature babies can't regulate their own body temperature, and with every degree drop in body temperature, their chances of survival decreases by 28%.

PHOTO GALLERY: Beanies 4 Babies launched in George

George Hospital's CEO Michael Vonk welcomes the Beanies 4 Babies project.

The official launch at George Hospital took place last week Thursday, 17 August.

"There is a lot of people in our community already contributing to this project, including the ladies from the social group at Tuiniqua Old Age Home and Groenkloof Retirement Village," said Van Schalkwyk.

George Hospital's CEO Michael Vonk said it is amazing to have people reaching out and connecting to George Hospital: "This project is patient centered and is about prevention. You have the commitment from the whole team." For more information contact Van Schalkwyk at 084 291 3325.

Noah Jonck was born on 1 July, and is about six weeks old.

In front are Cynthia Kortom (operational manager pediatrics) and Claudine Potts (operational manager maternity). At the back are Deborah Jacobs (regional coordinator women's health), Drusilla Williams (assistent manager), Anneke van Schalkwyk (Beanies 4 Babies project coordinator) and Ansie Sunshine (operational manager theatre). Photos: Michelle Pienaar