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Together the Wesley and ROMAC change a young boy's life |
 Rey Vitalla and his mum Virgie (front right) with some of the Wesley staff members who assisted in his treatment and care
For a number of years, The Wesley Hospital has been assisting Rotary’s ROMAC (Rotary Oceanic Medical Aid for Children) program by providing medical treatment for profoundly injured or deformed children from developing countries through the provision of free surgical and rehabilitation services.
The most recent recipient of this wonderful program is 13 year-old Rey Vitalla from the Philippines. Rey suffers from a facial deformity which means his jaw is in three parts. He has difficulty eating and speaking and the deformity has also affected his eyes and nose. In October 2009, Rey underwent an initial operation performed by Dr John Arvier (Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgeon) and Dr David Chin (Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon), to repair his jaw. Rey returned to the Wesley in February 2010 for further surgery.
A number of specialists again donated their time for Rey’s 13-hour operation and follow up care. Orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Ian Dickinson, began the operation by taking bone grafts to enable the construction of Rey’s upper jaw and nose. Then Dr David Chin spent much of the afternoon and night repairing Rey’s eyelids, cheeks, lips and creating a new profile for his nose. The surgery was supported by a team of anaesthetists including Drs Dick Etches, Steve Tavakol and Angus Mann. Rey’s treatment and care would not have been possible without the support of many Wesley staff members including theatre nurses, nursing staff in 2W and ICU, physiotherapists and Wesley specialists.
Rey is now on the road to recovery with a much brighter future ahead of him. He is looking forward to returning to school in the Philippines in June. |
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