25 Jan TCCFA
Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre recently hosted a tribute to internationally renowned cardiothoracic surgeon Prof Rob Kinsley at the
Oyster Box Hotel, where The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa, a non-profit organisation, which aims to help children with cardiac conditions who cannot afford medical care, was introduced.
This event was a celebration of the past and the future, marking Prof Kinsley’s 50 years of performing open heart surgery with him having performed over 15000 surgeries.
This significant celebration honoured the Heart Guru Prof Rob Kinsley and presented the living legacy he has envisaged,
The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa.
Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre Manager Niresh Bechan said, “Prof Rob Kinsley has been performing cardiac surgery for as long as I have been alive. For me, it is most satisfying to part of a team that is giving life and to create the opportunity to save lives. It is an unexplainable feeling. It is truly humbling to have Prof Rob Kinsley on our paediatric team at Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, the only private hospital offering paediatric cardiac surgery in KwaZulu-Natal. This facility is unique with a multidisciplinary 14-member team representing 10 paediatric sub-disciplines, perhaps the only private facility in South Africa to have this many paediatric sub disciplines,” said Bechan.
Prof Kinsley’s inspiration was Dr Christaan Barnard who conducted the world’s first human heart transplant at the Groote Schuur Hospital in 1967, with Prof Kinsley’s career in cardiac surgery taking off in 1968. According to Prof Kinsley, thousands of children in KZN born with congenital heart defects cannot afford private health care and were unable to get the necessary treatment due to a serious skills shortage. “The plan is to start in KZN with Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre and then look at how we can help with cases across Africa,” said Kinsley.
According to chairman and CEO of Lenmed Group Prakash Devchand, a solution to the paediatric cardiac problem in Africa is The Children’s Cardiac Foundation of Africa. “This foundation will provide training to doctors and support skills development of nurses. The need is a reality; much support is needed to sustain this vision. Lenmed, together with the team of the foundation want to ensure that we can touch and save more lives.”
Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre is the only private hospital in KwaZulu-Natal offering the much-needed services for paediatric cardiac surgery. In addition to this service, you will find almost all the paediatric sub-specialists at this facility, setting the bar for modern child-centred healthcare. The multidisciplinary cardiac team includes adult and paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr Darshan Reddy; cardiologist Dr Himal Dama; foetal medicine specialist Dr Ismail Bhorat; anaesthetist Dr Petrus Doubell; perfusionists Krishan Pillay and Karishta Bagwandin; and nurses.
Several successful lifesaving cardiac surgeries have already been performed and many parents are seeing the benefits of engaging with the specialists for their
children’s relevant health matters.
Taking care of all other paediatric needs are: paediatricians Dr Vinesh Moodley and Dr Thanusha Naidoo; paediatric general surgeon Dr Ash Maharaj; paediatric neurologists Dr Yavini Reddy and Dr Rajeshree Govender; paediatric haematologists Dr Keshnie Moodley and Dr Nicolene Moonsamy; paediatric nephrologist Dr Elaene Naicker; paediatric pulmonologist Dr Medeshni Annamalai; paediatric endocrinologist Dr Shafeeka Tayob and paediatric genetics Dr Thorona Naicker.
In addition, to Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre’s numerous accolades include being a paediatric and adult heart, stroke, and renal dialysis centre of
excellence. The 345-bed hospital offers a complete spectrum of surgical, maternity and paediatric services with seven state of the art theatres, including a neurooperating theatre, as well as an entire floor dedicated to the cardiac centre of excellence. These are complemented by an experienced team of specialists,
nursing staff and support services including a 24 hour emergency service.
Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre was the only private hospital in KwaZulu-Natal to have been selected to take part in a nationally driven stroke simulation (dummy patient run) project coordinated by Angels South Africa in conjunction with Boehringer Ingelheim Global Office and Angels Europe. The entire simulation was recorded on a Go-Pro camera, which was later evaluated. According to feedback received from Angels Consultants this simulation was a huge success, with the door to needle time being 30 minutes and 10 seconds. For a stroke emergency call our dedicated stroke line on 086 1344 237.
Full radiology (no after hour fees charged), laboratory, physiotherapy and pharmaceutical services, together with a range of medical allied health services are at
hand. In addition, the hospital has consulting rooms for specialised specialists, a coffee shop and ample parking bays with 24-hour security services.
This hospital is the first fully digitally integrated hospital in South Africa. Everything about the hospital from the ward design to the sophisticated software and medical technology works towards the twin goals of superior health care and maximum operational efficiency.
Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre was voted one of KZN’s top five and SA’s top 20 hospitals by Discovery Health patients for Best Patient Experience of Hospital Care. With several accolades to its credit, this modern, tranquil, world class facility, offers best quality patient care in line with its values.