The quality of healthcare for patients of the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital is expected to improve with the presence of a newly donated Lumenis M22 laser worth R1.5m.
Red Cross is reportedly the first hospital in Africa to own this laser machine.
It was donated by the Phoenix Burns Project in partnership with the ABC Charity Challenge Hike and Bike fundraising events held last year and this year.
It is expected to complement the existing UltraPulse CO2 laser by Lumenis to offer the full range of laser scar treatments in the hospital’s burns unit.
The new laser will help treat scars and provide therapy for burn scars not older than a year.
According to a statement, the laser can be used as early as four to six weeks after the skin was burned. It reduces the problematic burn scar itching that causes intense frustration, sleep deprivation and requires multiple medications to control.
The M22 laser also offers hope to children with vascular malformations and disfiguring port wine stains, various eye conditions and dermatological conditions.
Dwayne Evans, spokesperson of the hospital, says: “Special thanks to all the Phoenix partners, each and every ABC Challenge participant, Cripps Sears & Partners, Phoenix Flyers, Woodside, Total Oil, Schlumberger, Wood Mackenzie and the European Burn Association.”
. Through shoppers’ membership, the MyVillage charity raised R242 908 for the hospital trust and hospital’s primary school in the past year. These funds will support the hospital in maintaining its status as the leading provider of paediatric care on the African continent.
General manager Pieter Twine says: “Thanks to supporters of the beneficiaries programme. MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet is fundraising for causes that people really care about and empowering them to choose where the money goes,” he says.
