Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has assured members of the public that the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital has both the capacity and resources to handle the condition of Ashleigh Louw.
Baby Ashleigh was born with a rare condition called the Pentalogy of Cantrell. Ashleigh was born with her heart outside the body and chest wall on 8 January 2009. She has since had an operation to cover the heart and although still very sick, is reported to be stable.
Motsoaledi, accompanied by Minister of Social Development Edna Molewa and Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development Qedani Mahlangu, visited the Chris Hani Baragwanath on Monday to offer government support to the family and the team of doctors dealing with the situation.
“The normal facilities in this hospital, both human and financial, can deal with the situation. There is nothing more that can be done by anybody else,” said Motsoaledi in response to media reports questioning the hospital’s ability to handle Ashleigh’s condition.
He was supported by Professor Sithembiso Velaphi, who was representing a team of specialists dealing with the operation.
“I wish we could have managed this situation without the media. It makes it so much easier to take away the strain and energy we could have used in caring for the patient. The baby has a family and a mother that we have to consider when we talk about her,” said Velaphi.
Velaphi said the major concern remains the abnormalities in the heart.
“The patient had surgery yesterday and the defect was closed. The patient is in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and although still very sick, is stable.
“The baby has been seen by a cardiologist, one of the best in the country. They are working closely with the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital and together it was decided that the defects will be closed and the problems in the heart dealt with at a later stage,” said Velaphi.
Furthermore, Motsoaledi complemented the provincial health department saying that the 10-point turnaround plan was starting to bear fruit. MPL Jack Bloom also applauded the specialists and hospital for handling the situation with care, saying this was proof that the public health sector can provide the best possible care in the world.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
18 January 2010
Source: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za/)
