Tygerberg Hospital recently opened the doors to its first dedicated paediatric and neonatal operating theatre. This theatre, uniquely equipped for surgery on babies and children, was funded by Carte Blanche's Make A Difference Trust.

Previously, paediatric and neonatal surgeries had to be performed in facilities designed for adult patients.

“This wonderful new facility will help us to improve the quality of patient care for children that require surgical interventions," said Dr Paul Ciapparelli, Director of Clinical Services at Tygerberg Hospital, at the official opening of the theatre. “I want to thank Carte Blanche and other donors for their public spirit and their preparedness to get involved in is what essentially an act of nation building."

The installation is valued at around R11 million and includes instruments and equipment for regular surgery and laparoscopic surgery specifically in children and neonates. These includes two laparoscopic stacks and scopes, surgical lights with in-light cameras, an operating incubator for neonates, and an all display digital theatre – which is also a first for Tygerberg Hospital.

“It is difficult for me to explain the value of this special theatre," said Prof Daniel Sidler from the Division of Paediatric Surgery at Tygerberg Hospital and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. “This theatre enables us to add to the quality of life of children. With the laparoscopic equipment there will be less trauma, anxiety and suffering. This is not just an investment in the infrastructure of the hospital, but an investment into the lives of children."

Carte Blanche's Make A Difference Trust has raised over R150 million and undertaken 18 hospital projects around the country aimed at improving the lives of children.

Speaking at the launch of the theatre, Western Cape Minister of Health, Prof Nomafrench Mbombo, thanked Carte Blanche and other donors for the new facility, and noted that public-private partnerships are essential for improving the health of the nation.

Caption: Western Cape Minister of Health, Prof Nomafrench Mbombo, speaks at the launch of the new paediatric theatre at Tygerberg Hospital.