When the team arrived at Ruth Paz Hospital this morning just before 7 am, long lines of parents and their children had formed for the clinics being held at the hospital today. Once on the ward, all was quiet - for a moment. Then the day begins… the night shift team give reports to the day shift, a baby begins to cry, and the hustle and bustle of preparing for the day’s surgeries.
On Tuesday, there were three surgeries at Ruth Paz – two VSD and one TOF (Tetralogy of Fallot). Tetralogy of Fallot is a rare condition caused by a combination of four heart defects that are present at birth. These defects, which affect the structure of the heart, cause oxygen-poor blood to flow out of the heart and into the rest of the body. Infants and children with tetralogy of Fallot usually have blue-tinged skin because their blood doesn't carry enough oxygen. (www.mayoclinic.org).
Our little patients were Ashly, Ashley and Astrid. All of three are resting quietly this morning.
Two of Monday’s surgical patients – Josue and Genesis – were moved to the step-down side of the ward. The staff had both children up and walking the halls. Genesis is likely to go home today. Deysi is still on the ICU side of the ward, making great progress.
Dr. Paz and several team members traveled to the Social Security Hospital to perform surgery on a child who was on a ventilator and could not be moved.
Three young patients had therapeutic catheterizations at Cemesa Hospital. Members of the team included Dr. Tom Zellers, Dr. Hector Fonseca, Sheree, Sarah and Karen.
A long day for the team… but one filled with the satisfaction of making the world a little better… one little heart at a time.
When the team arrived in the hotel dining room this morning, news of the night team delivering a baby at Ruth Paz Hospital quickly spread! It’s a boy! We even have pictures for you. Thanks to all who pitched in to welcome this little one.
