Stories From The Field
Fabiola Charles
Three
year old Fabiola Charles was ailing from an ear ache, stomach ache
and lack of appetite when her mother brought her to the Pediatric
Clinic at Grace Children's Hospital. Fabiola had been suffering
for over a week when her mother decided to take the advice of a
neighbor, and bring her only child to GCH for a medical exam.
Because it was Fabiola's first visit to Grace Children's Hospital,
a medical file had to be created. Normally this process costs 25
gourdes (under $1.00 US), but when it was discovered that Fabiola's
dad, a former employee at the Haitian Immigration office, and mother
were currently unemployed, the small fee was waived.
Once her new file was completed, Fabiola and her mother moved to
the waiting area to await their turn to consult with Dr. Vilma,
a Pediatrician with over 30 years experience. The first thing Dr.
Vilme observed when examining Fabiola was that she was malnourished.
Malnutrition is a disease caused by not eating enough, or the right
kinds, of food. Just like eating too much food can make people overweight,
too little food can make people sick, weak and malnourished. Eight
out of ten children admitted to Grace Children's Hospital are malnourished.
Dr. Vilme took the opportunity to explain the importance of feeding
Fabiola healthy, balanced meals and instructed Fabiola's mother
on how to mix protein supplements in milk for her to drink.
After thoroughly examining Fabiola, Dr. Vilme then ordered blood
work to rule out malaria or other common diseases. Patients, who
require a blood work-up or other tests, are referred to the lab
at Grace Children's Hospital, across the street from the Pediatric
Clinic on the main campus of the facility. Over 100 patients are
tested and given results daily at the GCH lab.
Since it was still morning, Fabiola was able to have her blood
drawn prior to the lab closing its doors to patients at 11:00 AM.
After closing to the public, the Grace laboratory staff focuses
on testing the specimens they have collected throughout the morning
hours. Patients then return the following day to receive their results.
Thankfully, Fabiola's mother brought her daughter to the Grace
Pediatric Clinic before she became critically ill and required admittance
to the inpatient ward. Because of the services provided at Grace
Children's Hospital and Dr. Vilme's expertise, Fabiola was soon
on the road to health.
Currently, over 300 patients are examined and treated daily through
the outpatient clinics at Grace Children's Hospital, including the
Pediatric Clinic. Due to the financial support of our Partners in
Health, children and families are able to receive quality outpatient
medical care through International Child Care.
