Dominica's first paediatric cardiac mission saw 23 children receive specialist heart assessments from a visiting medical team from Martinique.
Dominica: The Dominica China Friendship Hospital (DCFH) has shared that it partnered with a team of paediatric cardiology specialists from Martinique to provide heart assessments for children across Dominica, marking an important step for paediatric care in the country.
This was the hospital’s first-ever paediatric cardiac mission in Dominica, which took place earlier in the month with a total of 23 children being screened and evaluated for cardiac conditions. The initiative aims to expand access and ensure children with heart conditions are diagnosed and treated early.
A Paediatrician from the Antilles-Guyane medical team, Dr. Clarissa Hamilton, explained the importance of this mission, stating that it is expected to be conducted twice each year.
Our hope is that this will become a regular outreach with the team visiting Dominica twice yearly. These missions allow children to be diagnosed much earlier, receive expert assessments closer to home and identify those who need further treatment before complications develop. Early diagnosis and timely intervention truly saves lives.
She noted that regional partnerships will give the children access to specialised services and reduces burdens placed on many families. Once assessed, depending on the results, the children can be reffered to Martinique for further treatment which may be either surgical or non-surgical intervention.
The Dominica Hospitals Authority shared of this mission on Facebook, noting that the longstanding partnership between Dominica and Martinique has become an “invaluable asset to the hospital and the people of Dominica.”
The Hospitals Authority extended its gratitude to the medical team, expressing its appreciation for their continued support and commitment, stating that it looks forward to future collaboration that will improve care for the citizens of Dominica.
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the Antilles-Guyane team and look forward to strengthening this collaboration in the years ahead as we work together to improve paediatric cardiac care,” expressed the Hospitals Authority.
The Antilles-Guyane medical team from Martinique was led by Dr. Melanie Brard.