A DIAGNOSTIC cardiology team from the World Paediatric Project successfully wrapped up clinics in St. Vincent and the Grenadines(SVG) on Thursday October 14 and Friday October 15, 2021, a release from the WPP states.

PAEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGIST Dr William Moskowitz with a patient during last week’s visit

The team, travelling for the first time since March 2020, evaluated 43 children at the Sion Hill Clinic, a new venue for WPP clinics.

Dr. William Moskowitz, Chief of Paediatric Cardiology for the University of Mississippi Medical Centre and WPP volunteer, led the team and was excited to return to St. Vincent and the children awaiting care.

“The patients we saw are a lot of follow up, congenital heart disease, some un-repaired, some repaired in the United States and requiring follow up. Some are newly identified with congenital heart disease which will be prioritised over the next year until they receive their intervention through an upcoming WPP team,”Dr Moskowitz said.

WPP Executive Director for the Eastern Caribbean Lauren McIntosh, said moving to the Sion Hill Clinic due to limited capacity at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital in the wake of COVID-19 was a smooth transition; the staff was very accommodating and helpful. Speaking of COVID-19 safety measures, McIntosh said, “What we have done differently from previous years is schedule appointments for our patients in advance.

This has helped us reach the most children we can while limiting the crowd so we can continue to physical and social distance, as well as implement hand sanitization and wearing of masks.” She added, “The change of location has gone well. Our families are always so grateful for the fact that we have a paediatric specialist on island and are happy to see Dr. Moskowitz.”

Dr. Shari-Ann Davis- Andrews, the local partner paediatrician, said that while COVID limited the number of patients seen, the clinic was still a success for Vincentian families.

“I am happy we can provide that kind of support for families with conditions we cannot manage locally,” she said.

Dr. Davis-Andrews noted that the most frequently asked question of both patients and parents was whether or not it was safe to take the COVID-19 vaccine with a pre-existing heart condition.

“Yes, it’s safe,” was her response. Patients with heart conditions are at greater risk of severe symptoms or death from COVID-19 than those without. The vaccine helps prevent those symptoms, especially among those with underlying health issues.

WPP will continue to meet the needs of our children with the Urology Team set to visit from October 24, at the Sion Hill Clinic. Individuals interested in supporting the work of WPP can contact the local office at 784-451-2989.