Charity buys neonatal probe for hospital

(CNS): The Cayman Heart Fund has donated a neonatal cardiac probe to the George Town hospital bought with funds raised from a fun-run earlier this year. The equipment will enable medical staff to diagnose here rather than flying sick children overseas. The probe which is specifically designed for children is one of a number of costly pieces of lifesaving cardiac care equipment that the local charity has been able to give to the health services authority to support improvements to the department, which includes an Electrocardiography Machine (ECG) and four mannequins to the Advanced Cardiac Life Support Training programme.

“This great contribution to the neo-natal and children’s ward will give the department the ability to diagnose right here on island, rather than flying the children overseas,” said the HSA Chief Executive Officer Lizzette Yearwood said. “This is not only cost effective, but saves invaluable time in the diagnosis stage, meaning children and their families no longer need to undertake tense journeys for testing.  We are very thankful to the Cayman Heart Fund and their donations to help enhance our patient’s experience.”

Dr Marlene Craigie, HSA Radiologist explained that this probe is specifically for children ages 14 and below. “The probes we previously had were mainly for the adult heart but this one is catered to children and the resolution is of a much higher quality,” she added.

David Dinner, Chairman of the fund said Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is one of the main sources of health problems in the country.

“The Cayman Heart fund is a non-profit and non-government organization striving to bring awareness to heart and circulatory diseases. We realize the struggle that those who have cardiovascular disease go through and are dedicated to making a difference and reducing the likelihood of early death,” he said. “Over 400 participants took part in this year’s Cayman Heart Fund Discovery Day 5k Walk/Run, and the proceeds from which, teamed with a generous donation from Mr. and Mrs. Agar of Agar Corporation Ltd, ensured the equipment was in place as soon as possible,” he added.

For more information about the Cayman Heart Fund, visitwww.caymanheartfund.com or for more info about the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority, please visit www.hsa.ky