Thirteen children, including a baby 18 days old, received free cardiac treatment at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Mount Hope, following a three-day specialist programme held from November 2 to 4.
Seven patients, ranging in age from 18 days to nine years, underwent major surgery to correct serious heart defects they were born with. Another six received less invasive procedures in the hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
The programme was organised through a partnership between the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) and Caribbean Heart Care, with local doctors working alongside visiting specialists from the United Kingdom and United States.
Visiting specialists included lead cardiac surgeon Professor Massimo Caputo, supported by a multi-disciplinary team of surgeons, anaesthetists, cardiologists and intensive-care professionals. Local doctors, nurses and other hospital staff also played key roles in the procedures.
NCRHA chairman, Dr Tim Gopeesingh, praised the teams, noting that the operations were complex and carried significant medical risks, but gave the children an important chance at better health.
The Mt Hope hospital already provides Government-supported open-heart surgery in partnership with Caribbean Heart Care, according to the hospital’s service information.
