New paediatric unit needed

GEORGE NEWS - The surgeon who did the first successful heart transplant in Britain, Sir Terence English (86) was in George this week to visit the George Hospital and Mediclinic Geneva.

It was with a view to advise the hospital on their plans for building a new paediatric unit, and obtain first-hand knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the existing unit which is in urgent need of expansion.

The neonatal section is overcrowded with more patients being admitted than what the unit was designed for.

This leads to an increased risk of infections, which the tiny newborns struggle to fight off.

During a quick photo session at the Mediclinic on Tuesday, English told the George Herald that he would spread word of the dire need among potential benefactors in England.

He expressed appreciation and admiration for the "fine spirit" and team work of the paediatric unit personnel.

"What struck me during my visit was the huge pressure and their work load. I was impressed with how Dr Willie Breytenbach and his team adapt to the pressure and what they are achieving.

"There is no other way to go but to expand their facility."

The South African-born retiree was invited to George by Blyth Thompson (89), fund-raiser for the George Hospital Trust Fund.

Thompson and English have a mutual friend in Prof Robert Freiter (89), another South African heart surgeon famous for his pioneer work in the area of heart valve transplants in the US.

Freiter and his wife, Elaine (who have a holiday home in Glentana) donated the first R1-million towards the trust fund.

He also recently agreed to be a trustee and has thrown his weight behind Thompson to help raise R90-million for the new paediatric unit.

One of the possibilities being considered for expansion of the unit is for the George Hospital to acquire the Mediclinic Geneva which should be vacant in the not-so-distant future.

Mediclinic is looking for a suitable location to build a new hospital after its application to develop on land at Kraaibosch was rejected by the municipality.

Hopefully these three inspiring octogenarians will move potential donors to give generously.

The trust fund is Section 18A registered. The account details are as follows: Account holder: George Hospital Trust, Nedbank, current account, account number 112 035 1685.