Mediclinic Cape Gate performs pro bono spinal surgery

Mediclinic Cape Gate, in partnership with neurosurgeon Dr Brad Harrington, anaesthetist Dr Kevin Grünewald and Tygerberg hospital, successfully performed life changing pro bono spinal surgeries for two patients.

The motivation behind performing these surgeries is to leverage collective resources within the private sector to help alleviate long waiting lists faced within public hospitals.

Two patients from the public healthcare sector received pro bono lumbar microdiscectomy surgeries at Mediclinic Cape Gate during December. These surgeries have not only transformed the patients’ lives but also helped reduce the strain on the public healthcare system.

Both patients suffered from severe lower back and leg pain caused by herniated lumbar discs. The resulting symptoms hindered their ability to work and perform daily tasks. Delayed access to surgery in the public sector prevented them from receiving the required interventions to relieve their pain. Thanks to the pro bono initiative, they have now regained mobility, with the potential to return to work, and restore their quality of life.

Mediclinic provides the nursing care and theatre facilities, while associated surgeons contribute their expertise. Patients are usually admitted to the Mediclinic facility on the morning of the surgery, undergo the relevant procedure and receive post-operative care from the Mediclinic team.

“Mediclinic is especially proud, as we realise what a significant impact these surgeries will play in improving quality of life for these patients. Allowing them to return to work, as well as experiencing better movement and less pain,” explains Jeanine Visser, Hospital General Manager.

These partnerships are made possible by the pro bono contributions of the surgeon, Dr Brad Harrington, the anaesthetist, Dr Kevin Grünewald and physiotherapist Ciné Kruger, as well as donations of specialised equipment from companies such as DISA Life Sciences.

By performing these surgeries privately, public hospital resources have been made available for other patients, highlighting the value of collaboration between the private and public sectors. The initiative underscores the importance of partnerships in addressing critical healthcare challenges.

Dr Harrington explains, “The pain experienced by patients with nerve compression is often severe and can cause permanent disability if not addressed. Relieving this compression allows these patients the opportunity to recover and return to a full and productive life, restoring their dignity. It is through public and private partnerships such as this that we are able to offer our skills and facilities for the benefit of those in need. It is about doing what we can with the resources available to us to help make a difference.”

Bob Govender, Industry Affairs Executive at Mediclinic further adds “We would like to convey our sincere gratitude to all involved including management, theatre nurses, clerks, and doctors both from Tygerberg Hospital and from Mediclinic Cape Gate. Although projects such as this place an additional administrative workload on everyone from both these hospitals, their unwavering support and commitment is highly commendable.”

Mediclinic remains committed to these collaborations with the public sector and will continue to seek opportunities to interact and support where needed, developing workable solutions for the challenges faced within the industry, and thanks the specialists involved in these surgeries for their time and dedication.