RE: WPP Ophthalmology and Plastic Surgery teams wrap up interventions today

A double team from World Paediatric Project (“WPP”) wrap up surgical interventions today at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (“MCMH”).

The double Ophthalmology, and Plastic Surgery (Reconstructive) teams held clinics on Sunday February, 11, 2024 at the MCMH where a number of children were seen, a WPP release states.

(From left) Dr.Nadia Blanchet – Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Aaron Foglio – Plastic surgery resident, Dr. Jasmine Ellis-Davy – Paediatric General Surgeon

The Ophthalmology team assessed a total of 57 patients with varying conditions that affect or impair the eye and the children’s ability to see, and 19 surgeries were scheduled between February 12-16.

Some of the conditions identified were keratoconus, cataracts and strabismus, more commonly known as “crossed eyes”. Two of the 57 patients were from Barbados, two from Dominica and one from Grenada, with the other 52 being Vincentians.

Assessment of the children was done by Dr Donna Browne, a long standing member of the organization, who also sits on the WPP board. On her team was her daughter, Dr. Karen Browne, Oculoplastic surgeon; Dr. Tanuj Nakra, Oculoplastic surgeon; Mary O’Hanley, nurse Anaesthetist; and Lisa Sizemore, nurse.

Dr. Karen Browne – Oculoplastic Surgeon

Along with them was local Ophthalmologist, Dr. Charisse Grant-Ledger as well as local staff and OR nurses.

The Plastic Surgery team was led by Dr. Nadia Blanchet, a long standing member of WPP, who had on her team Dr. Aaron Foglio, Plastic surgery resident; Dr. Jay Stone, Anaesthesiologist; Marilyn Bagen, OR Technician; and Nancy Sterling, nurse Anaesthetist. Assisting the team was local Paediatric General Surgeon, Dr. Jasmine Ellis-Davy. The team saw a total of 39 children on clinic day, and listed 14 paediatric reconstructive surgeries, including gynaecomastia (removal of breast tissue in males) to run from February, 12-16.

This team attended to conditions that varied from children with unusual skin masses, to burn patients, as well as children with excessively enlarged breasts (both male and female). There were 34 local patients, two from Dominica, two from St. Lucia and one from Grenada.

Both teams were sponsored by The Mustique Charitable Foundation.