UK mission completes lifesaving surgeries on Jamaican children

Over the course of the week-long mission, the visiting team, alongside local specialists, successfully operated on seven children suffering from various congenital heart conditions.

Dr. Sherard Little, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at the Bustamante Hospital for Children, led the surgical efforts, noting that the additional staff brought in by the visiting team enabled the hospital to treat more patients than usual.

"On a regular basis, we are able to perform one or two surgeries a week, but with the help of the Chain of Hope team, we were able to treat up to seven children in a single week," said Dr. Little.

The surgeries performed during the mission included the repair of ventricular septal defects, a common congenital heart condition, as well as more complex cases such as tetralogy of Fallot. Dr. Little explained that while the goal of the surgeries is not always to "fix" the heart entirely, the procedures significantly improve the children’s quality of life, allowing many of them to lead healthier, more active lives.

The mission has been in operation for over 20 years, with this year marking its 21st. Dr. Little highlighted that parents would often return to give their well wishes, despite initially being hesitant about the surgery.

The visiting team’s contribution was invaluable, complementing the efforts of the local staff, which includes cardiologists, surgeons, nurses, and intensive care specialists. The team composition was tailored to the needs of the mission, which included anaesthetists, perfusionists (who operate the heart-lung bypass machine), and ICU nurses, who helped manage the children’s post-operative care.

Free Treatment for Children in Need
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Chain of Jamaica’s cardiac centre is its commitment to providing free treatment. All surgeries and procedures are offered at no cost to the families, ensuring that no child is turned away due to financial constraints. Whether it’s a life-saving open-heart surgery or a less invasive cardiac catheterization, the centre offers the full spectrum of heart care needed to improve the health and quality of life of these children.

Referrals to the centre come from hospitals throughout the region, where paediatricians identify children with congenital or acquired heart conditions. Once diagnosed, children are placed on a treatment list and are evaluated by a medical committee, which prioritizes cases based on the severity of each child’s condition.

The Cardiac mission was founded by an Egyptian Doctor, Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub. His vision stemmed from his observation that many children around the world were suffering from heart disease, often with no access to treatment due to financial constraints. With this in mind, he established the Chain of Hope to offer a solution to this global challenge, focusing on children who could not afford the high costs associated with heart surgeries. Through partnerships with local hospitals and paediatric cardiologists, the charity has been able to offer world-class heart care to children from Jamaica, St. Lucia, Barbados, and beyond.

Since its inception in 2007, the Chain of Jamaica’s cardiac centre has treated hundreds of children born with heart conditions, offering hope and life-changing medical interventions that would otherwise be out of reach for many families.

Bustamante Hospital for Children is Jamaica’s national referral hospital for paediatric care, offering specialized medical services for children with a range of conditions, including congenital heart disease. The hospital works in collaboration with local and international partners to improve the health and well-being of children across Jamaica and the Caribbean.