A modern otorhinolaryngology department for children has opened in Vitebsk

The relocation of the ENT department from the adult regional hospital to a specialized children's clinic is one of the points of the regional program for improving healthcare services for the population of the Vitebsk region, which is developed and supervised by the healthcare department of the regional executive committee. Its essence is clear: for better treatment results, all types of care should be concentrated in one place, where everything is at hand – both first-class diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, and qualified specialists with experience working with children.

As Natalya Leskova, Deputy Chief Physician of the Children's Regional Hospital, explained, the department's transfer was carried out in stages. From March 1 of this year, 15 beds were allocated here, and emergency medical care was undertaken. Simultaneously, equipment was purchased to equip the ENT doctor's office in the admission department and a specialized operating room. (It was planned in advance when the operating unit was put into operation after modernization at the end of last year, which "Vitbichi" told its readers about). 4.5 billion rubles were spent on these purposes. And from May 5, the department began operating at full capacity. For now, until the pediatric building, which is currently under renovation, is put into operation, its 40 beds are located in the surgery premises. In such a short period, more than 70 ENT surgical interventions have already been performed.

The hospital administration took a thorough approach to selecting staff for the new department, inviting doctors of at least the first category from other medical institutions in the city and training them to work with new equipment.

— Now we are able to provide both emergency and planned care to all children in the region who need it, — noted Anna Yakimtsova, head of the department. — The equipment with which the department is equipped is the dream of any ENT doctor. A good operating microscope manufactured in Germany has greatly expanded our capabilities. There is a unit for laser coagulation of the inferior turbinates for chronic vasomotor rhinitis. We treat chronic tonsillitis with a laser. This is a very good alternative to the classical method: instead of removing the tonsils, we only trim them with a laser. A bloodless, minimally traumatic, and more physiological intervention. We have also received a lot of instrumentation for endoscopic interventions, and this is not the limit. All available equipment meets a good republican level of medical care, so our patients generally do not need to go to the capital.

The same enthusiasm and readiness to devote themselves to children's health can be felt in the mood of two doctors of the department — Elena Martova and Tatiana Chuvilina. And the reason is simple. The new members of the hospital staff have fully experienced the advantages of the friendly team style of work, which was created here by the chief physician Alexander Pitkevich. All necessary consultations with pediatricians and related specialists, as ENT pathology is rarely seen in its "pure" form, are provided on-site, at the first call.

The hospital is equipped with a computed tomography scanner and modern X-ray equipment. There are no waiting times or queues for these examinations either. The ENT doctors addressed many kind words to their anesthesiologist colleagues, who have invaluable specific experience working with children, which allows them to enter the operating room with a calm heart.

The restless patients themselves also add optimism and strength to the doctors. They say that in children, the illness proceeds rapidly, but recovery after medical assistance also comes quickly. And with such equipment, it is very easy to help many of them today. When a child who has almost lost their hearing can perceive the world in all its polyphony again after surgery – there is no greater happiness for a doctor.

The plans of the regional children's hospital include taking over the ophthalmology department from the regional clinic.

Vera Murashkina, "Vitbichi"