A new array of surgery services will soon be available to physically challenged children. The Princess Elizabeth Home on Ariapita Avenue launched its new orthopaedic theatre and surgical ward on April 27.
At the opening ceremony at the home, its president Clement Imbert said, 'The home started with a gift from Queen Elizabeth, who was a princess at the time of her engagement to Prince Philip.
"At the time many children were affected by poliomyelitis. and she said the best gift we could give to her was to establish a home in TT to rehabilitate the afflicted children. Hence the name of the institution.'
Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a disabling and life-threatening disease caused by the polio virus. The virus spreads from person to person and can infect the spinal cord, causing paralysis.
On the progress of the home. Imbert said, 'We have had many additions and improvements over the years, offering new services such as orthopaedic hand surgeries and dental services. Both of these need to recommence and expand to serve other children's homes.'
Imbert gave credit to the Rotary Club of Port of Spain for establishing the dental facility in 2012.
'In 1953 this institution was managed by a position called 'superintendent,' which speaks to the colonial days. However, the menu of services grew from a rehabilitative home to include a nursery and primary school and various medical services.'
Chair of the Scotiabank TT Foundation Roxanne De Freitas said, 'As a member of the Scotiabank family, I feel such an overwhelming sense of pride to know that we have been able to play a part in seeing this new ward and operating theatre come to fruition.
'The new ward will increase the capacity and efficiency of orthopaedic and rehabilitation services for an estimated 1,200 physically challenged children annually. It will also house the surgical wards, operating theatre and the clinic under one roof, helping improve efficiency and patient quality care.'
On disabilities she said, 'Persons with handicaps and disabilities are one of the most excluded and marginalised groups and often face multiple challenges in realising their full potential. Every year, through surgery and rehabilitation the Princess Elizabeth Home helps remove barriers for young people so they can flourish and participate in society. Scotiabank shares this commitment to helping promote opportunity, participation and inclusion.'
Giving a breakdown of cost, president of the Children's Ark Simone de la Bastide said the organisation did not expect to complete the project within a year as it required over $1 million.
She said sponsors included, as well as the Scotiabank TT Foundation, RBCTT, the Digicel Foundation, Uhrenholt, Medcorp, Nutrien, Brian MacFarlane, the House of Jaipur, the Royal College of Nairobi alumni and others.
The internal structure, including staircases, was demolished before plans were changed and the new extension of 12,000 square feet was added to house the operating theatre and adjacent rooms.
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