Apprehension and Hope

Adult surgery continues in the theatre as the first day of paediatric screening commences. The OHI team welcomes husband and wife team paediatric Cardiologist Dr Malcolm Richardson andSonographer Kerry Richardson and farewells adult Cardiologist Dr Garry Warner.

As families line the hospital waiting room with their child, they present with a mix of apprehension and hope. Spending time with the paediatric screening team is as an emotive experience. Loving parents enter the rooms cradling their baby while young children sit quietly not knowing what to expect.

Once they meet with the nursing team, the parents’ apprehension stops and they know their children are in safe hands.

The photos of these children capture why the work of OHI is so important. With intervention, what lies in front of them is the opportunity to lead a full healthy life and who could deny those beautiful faces of that?

We also celebrated our first adult patient of the trip, Tupou heading off from the Intensive Care Unit to the ward. This is a significant moment of celebration for everyone as her recovery so far has been positive. With a supportive family by her side and the care from her local medical team Tupou has every reason to smile as she looks forward to a brighter future.