GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - The very first operation by a medical team of the Dr. Ansua Foundation will take place this coming Monday in a theatre of George Provincial Hospital.
The operation on Monday 29 April pilots a collaboration agreement between George Hospital and the Dr. Ansua Foundation, headed by Dr. Ansua Steyn herself. The first patient, Brian Faul, will undergo a procedure to remove skin cancer from his nose by the private medical team offering their services to the foundation at one of George Hospital's theatres.
In exchange for the theatre space, the medical team will also perform procedures on some of the patients of George Hospital to relieve pressure. With the budget cuts, George Hospital can only use three of their five theatres due to a shortage of staff.
If all goes according to plan, this collaboration will take place on a monthly basis.
Up until now the foundation relied on the help of private theatres, such as the Advanced Health Surgical Centre in Knysna, and a theatre at Dr Ansua Steyn's own property in Victoria Heights. The foundation provides surgical care, comprehensive support and rehabilitation to underserved patients, bridging gaps within healthcare services.
Dr. Steyn is very excited about their new venture: "We are going to walk a path with the hospital and try to use the theatre once a month for one of our patients, whereafter we will help them with their patients until 19:00."
George Hospital's clinical manager, Dr Tian Koen said they are grateful for external stakeholders such as the Dr. Ansua Foundation.
"These partnerships between public and private are beneficial to a vulnerable community dependent on us for care and support. Health is everyone’s business and we look forward to more partnerships in the future."
The procedure
Brian Faul, a dedicated counsellor from here, will be the first patient of the Dr. Ansua Foundation to undergo a procedure at George Hospital through their new collaboration.
A previous operation in 2021, during which skin cancer was removed, left Faul with a wound on his nose that just wouldn't heal. This damaged his confidence and affected his professional interactions.
Dr. Ansua devised a plan to address his problem. She consulted a plastic surgeon to create a skin flap for reconstruction, ensuring that any remaining cancer cells would be completely removed.
Transformations in 2024
For the Dr. Ansua Foundation each month this year unfolded with a story of hope and healing. The work done by the foundation has touched the lives of a number of patients. Here is a short summary of the impact Dr. Ansua Steyn and her medical team have accomplished in 2024:
January saw the remarkable transformation of Veronique Ferndale, whose life took an unexpected turn after a traumatic car accident left her with physical and emotional scars. Veronique underwent a procedure that went beyond traditional norms and Dr. Ansua used advanced techniques of fat grafting and "microneedling" to restore her skin's appearance and give her more confidence.
February was a happy month for Elroy Rollins, who found renewed hope through the foundation's compassionate care. Elroy's struggle with a lipoma was changed for a newfound sense of self-confidence through medical intervention.
Brian Faul emerged as the recipient of the foundation's benevolent mission in March. His unique situation made him the first patient to undergo surgery at George Hospital, with a team from the foundation.
During April, Chanel Stander stepped into the spotlight, ready to undergo laser eye treatment under the guidance of the foundation. She is preparing for laser eye treatment, for a step towards improved vision.
Follow their journeys at www.ansua.co.za and learn more about the work of the Dr. Ansua Foundation.
Read more articles here:
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- 'n Nuwe gesig en vooruitsig vir Melvin
- 'n Nuwe voorkos: Melvin se groeisels onder die mes
- Transforming lives one operation at a time
- Lelitha en haar boetie terug by die skool
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