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The Paediatrics Department is one of the busiest clinics in the American Mission Hospital. At AMH Manama Paediatrics Clinic, paediatricians see an average of 100 patients a day, writes Dr Judy Pipo-Deveza.
Common illnesses seen at the clinic are upper respiratory tract infections like the common colds; lower respiratory tract infections like bronchitis and pneumonia; asthma; diarrhea; vomiting; allergies; and flu. But, we don't only see sick babies and kids.
Of utmost importance is preventive care especially in children, as the popular saying goes - an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.
During 'well child' check-ups, the physical growth, for example, weight and height are monitored as well as mental development. Immunisations are given, and all vaccines recommended by the Ministry of Health are available in our clinic.
Parents should seek professional medical attention once they observe any sign of illness, as early treatment is better to avoid complications and progression of disease.
Mothers, especially first-timers, are advised on the proper care of their newborn babies. They are taught on the proper breastfeeding techniques, right nutrition and good hygiene for their little ones.
Newborn screening tests are done for all babies born at AMH. This is to ensure that the inborn diseases are immediately picked up at birth so that early treatment can be given and anticipatory care provided.
The hospital has a special delivery package where clinic visits are free of charge for the first two months of life including routine vaccinations.
Also available are paediatric packages starting from birth to six years of age. These packages cover all basic medical necessities for healthy development of the child.
As a paediatric neurologist, I see patients with brain diseases as well as disorders of the spinal cord, nerves and muscles. Patients who come to the neurology clinic are those with seizures or convulsions, headaches, congenital or inborn malformations of the brain and neuro-developmental delays.
The hospital has a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit which is equipped with modern apparatus like incubators, respirators, and ABG machines, for the optimal care of sick babies and those who were born premature. We have two board-certified neonatologists who are experts in the care of newborn babies.
AMH was awarded hospital-wide accreditation by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI) two years ago, which was again revalidated last year, indicative of the high quality care provided to patients in a safe environment.
The paediatrics clinic is open seven days a week, from 7.30am to 10pm at AMH Manama, and from 8am to 10pm at AMH Saar branch. There is also a paediatrician on duty in case of emergencies when the clinics are closed, to ensure there is an available paediatrician at the hospital 24 hours a day. There are 10 paediatricians at the Manama hospital and three at the Saar branch. The Paediatric Neurology Clinic is on Mondays at Manama and Tuesdays at Saar.
