Today was a remarkable day for both our patients and the Rotaplast team. Nico, our quartermaster and one of our dedicated team members, had the unique opportunity to follow a patient before, during, and after his significant surgery. He shared his experiences of the ‘Once in a lifetime’ surgery of 15-year-old Namid, a boy he had previously played soccer with. Namid was thrilled about the chance to be operated on. “He really wanted this and was so fit that it was decided to correct both the cleft lip and the palate in one operation,” Nico explains.
Before the surgery, Titia took care of sterilizing the complete set of instruments, a crucial step to ensure safety during the operation. The impact of this procedure is immense. It is only during those hours on the operating table that you truly realize what this surgery will make possible. For most patients with a cleft lip and open palate, it means not only an improvement in appearance but also in their speech clarity and their ability to eat without wasting.
After the surgery, Nico followed Namid to the PACU, the recovery department, where he observed how Namid slowly recovered from the anesthesia. Waking up from the anesthesia is always a critical moment that is handled with meticulous care and professionalism. Namid was then transferred to the post-operation department (post-op), where he could continue to sleep and recover.
Today’s experience was transformative not only for Namid but also for Nico and the entire team, reaffirming the important work we perform. Every member of our team, from the surgeons to the nurses and technical staff, contributes to these life-changing moments.
This day of surgery and its direct impact on the life of a young patient underscore why we are passionately committed to these missions. It is our passion for our work and the drive to change lives for the better that motivates us to continue with these important missions. And you can see that shared passion in Tessa (Recreation Therapist), Swanny (Anesthesiologist), Aagje (PACU Nurse), and Ligaya (Lead PACU Nurse).
Even smaller procedures are performed with the utmost care. 😉
#Rotaplast #MakingAnImpact #MedicalMission