CHRISTMAS came early for the Sea Vista Clinic this year when the Rotary Club of St Francis officially presented a Phillips Ultrasound Clear View machine valued at R350 000 to the St Francis Clinic in Sea Vista on December 9.
St Francis-based Dr Jean Malan and his colleague, Dr Anina Ellis, who consult at the Clinic every day, accepted the machine on behalf of the clinic.
Dr Malan explained that the machine was a much needed instrument which would be of enormous benefit to the adult female population of Sea Vista, especially as the clinic’s old Ultrasound machine had lost its full functionality and was no longer in use.
“This new ultrasound machine will allow us to do superficial scans for breast masses, but the greatest benefit will be the vaginal probe which will allow us to investigate the ovarian pathology for our female patients. It will also allow us to accurately determine the estimated date of delivery.”
“It is very difficult for antenatal caregivers to manage pregnancy when the foetal age, health status or number of foetuses is not known,” Malan continued.
“Ultrasound can also diagnose many of the most common causes of maternal and neonatal mortality including multiple gestations, sequelae of abortion, causes of obstructed labour, and specific causes of maternal haemorrhage such as placenta praevia. Early identification of high-risk pregnancies will ensure that clinic staff can recommend timely referral to the relevant provincial hospital for a higher level of obstetric care.”
Paying this good deed forward in true Christmas spirit, the clinic has donated the old ultrasound machine to Dr Nerine Botha at Aloe Veterinary Clinic in St Francis Bay. Although the old machine no longer has full functionality, it is suitable for use in veterinary medicine and Dr Botha will be able to make excellent use of the machine.
“We were thrilled to be able to facilitate the donation of the Ultrasound machine to the St Francis Clinic. It will be so beneficial for expectant mothers and for the improvement of women’s health in this disadvantaged community,” said Santa Zeiss, Club President.
