Mediclinic Muelmed is proud to be assisting a 9 year old patient, who recently experienced burns over 40% of his body following a fire incident outside his home, with injuries including his upper torso, neck and arms.
Approached by Hero Burn Foundation to assist with rehabilitation (specific accommodation is required for paediatric patients), Mediclinic Muelmed teams were able to admit the young boy transferred from Baragwaneth Hospital and provide a range of physical rehabilitation to get him active and independent.
Hero Burn Foundation had performed some fundraising, but with the limited amount available, Mediclinic Muelmed came on board to ensure that young Arno received the necessary care and rehabilitation before returning home.
His father, Johan conveyed their family’s appreciation for the additional care and treatment Arno could receive while at Mediclinic Muelmed. “The treatment team has been amazing and very friendly. My son is out of his wheelchair and the walking frame—he is more mobile, and his recovery is such a big step forward. We know that had he not had this special attention, he would still be in his wheelchair.”
For a young burn patient, therapy may include a range of different engagement sessions:
- To mobilise as independently as possible with physiotherapy
- To manage scar forming with occupational therapy & pressure garment
- To improve effective swallowing with Speech therapy
- Cognition & communication with occupational & speech therapy
- To optimise diet for liver dysfunction and optimal healing with dietary consults
- To be as independent as possible with activities of daily living with occupational therapy
- To support the patient & family through the process of managing the traumatic experience with psychological consults
- To motivate and encourage hope and vision for the future with psychological consults with the social worker
- Play therapy with the social worker
Arno was admitted in March for physical rehabilitation and is well on his way to greater mobility. We are excited about his progress and celebrated his discharge on 9 April. Arno will continue with physical rehabilitation as an out-patient. His family live on a farm on the West Rand, and they are keen to get back to work waiting for them before winter begins.
Mediclinic Muelmed would like to thank the multi-disciplinary team who worked together to accommodate Arno. This includes Dr Janine Botha, Rita Henn & Partners (Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Speech therapy), psychologists (Janse v Rensburg & Breedt Psychology, Mr T Joubert), dietician (Du Toit Swanepoel Dieticians) as well as social worker (M de Wet & Associates).
