Groote Schuur Hospital Celebrates Donation of Skin Laser Machine from Oasis

Groote Schuur Hospital has received a shot in the arm with the donation of a skin laser machine and the refurbishment of the hospital's Dermatology Unit. This was made possible with funds from the Oasis Crescent Fund Trust. The machine is the third of its kind in the country but the first that's publically available, as the other two are housed in private hospitals.

This project was undertaken at the behest of the Red Cross Children's Hospital and the necessary donation was made on behalf of investors in the Oasis Crescent range of ethical investment products. After discussions between the Trust, the Red Cross and Groote Schuur Hospital, it was agreed that the facility be based at Groote Schuur because of a shortage of space at Red Cross.

Theuns Botha, Western Cape Minister of Health, said: "Thank you to Oasis to this generous sponsorship. With donations like these the Western Cape provincial government is able to provide much improved services to our patients and improve our patients experience. We do not have the budget to extend our services so far, but with the help of the private sector, we are in a much better position to create a healthier community."

It was further agreed that the facility be made available to both hospitals for the treatment of port wine/strawberry stains. Until now this service was only available in private hospitals and came at a very high cost to the public. The laser unit makes it possible for patients in need to get the necessary treatment at a cheaper rate compared to the private hospitals. The refurbishment of the Dermatology Unit further turns this service into a world-class facility.

In response to the donation, the Dermatology Unit's head, Prof. Gail Todd, thanked Oasis for the sponsorship. Prof Todd said with the donation of the machine, the hospital wants to further expand their services. She said an example of this was the pulsed dye laser used primarily for disfiguring congenital vascular disorders such as port wine stains and haemangiomas. Prof Todd said presently there are no laser machines at any academic dermatology unit in the country.