The Chris Hani Baragwanath Paediatric Burns Unit is a specialist referral facility, established in January 1991, to cater for paediatric burn victims from Gauteng and the North-West province. The unit admits approximately 400 patients annually to their 26-bed general ward and 7-bed ICU / High Care area, with approximately 25% of these patients requiring specialist intensive care.
The vast majority of burns are as a result of accidental causes, occurring throughout the year, however, a seasonal influx of higher case numbers is seen as a result of open flame burns during the winter months. Sadly, a number of cases are as a result of abuse at the hands of parents and caregivers alike.
These patients often endure protracted hospital stays, with multiple theatre visits to clean, debride wounds and place skin grafts. Primary and secondary infections frequently complicate cases and can be life threatening, particularly for younger patients.
The specialist care of these patients requires a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team of burn and ICU nurses, Paediatric Critical Care Intensivists and Surgeons; Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Dieticians and Anaesthetists.
A Mortality study conducted in the unit from 2009 to 2012 which highlights the dire need for improved treatment facilities and can be viewed HERE.
The rehabilitation of these patients is often long-term and challenging; especially when critical areas like the face, hands, feet and joints are involved. To this end, a unit specific non-profit organisation (NPO) is striving to raise the funding to create a centre of excellence, in the form of a world class gym and in providing a space for the patients to heal and play.
The NPO has had the necessary plans and cost estimates done, and are looking to raise the sum of five million Rand (ZAR) for this project.
Take a virtual tour of the envisaged upgraded facility in the video below:
Knight’s Pendragon Rotary Club has taken on the challenge of assisting to raise the necessary funding, towards achieving the goal of developing this improved care and treatment facility, and is seeking to secure corporate sponsors and organisations willing to make a difference in the survival and future lives of future child burn victims.
For additional information or to become involved in this project,
contact Graham Wallett, +27 82 808 4648 or by email HERE