28 children were seen in Sunday clinic at Sion Hill Clinic and seven are scheduled for surgery throughout this week
World Pe
diatric Project’s (WPP) urology team traveled from St. Louis, Missouri, USA and successfully completed clinic in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday, October 24th. After evaluating 28 children in clinic, seven were scheduled for surgery throughout this week.
WPP volunteer and Pediatric Urologist Dr. Douglas Coplen expressed delight to be back after almost two years to see how things have progressed despite COVID-19 restrictions. Local capacity for care has grown and Dr. Coplen encouraged parents of children with urological complications or challenges to not shy away from seeking assistance but to do so early.
Coplen and his team had been able to provide evaluations for some children during COVID-19 via telemedicine, assisting remotely over Zoom and other internet platforms. However, Coplen said for many patients in person evaluations were best because of the nature of their condition.
WPP volunteer theater nurse Joanna Thomeczek was excited to be back but said a portion of their team traveling from Virginia missed their flight, which led to operating below their intended capacity. Despite this, the WPP team and local medical professionals were able to schedule seven surgeries.
Several families gave their heartfelt thank you for the care. The Justine family expressed hope for care now that they had a diagnosis and encouraged others to support the work of WPP to help more children and families.
Individuals interested in supporting the work of WPP can contact the local office at 784-451-2989.