Pediatric Unit for Special Children: SNM Hospital Leh- Ladakh

Annual Report : Year 1-July 2010-June 2011
Mission Statement:
The SNM Pediatric Unit for Special Children will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families by providing assessment and treatment services for children from birth to 18 years, coming from all areas of Ladakh, who have a variety of disabilities. The unit will provide comprehensive, holistic care promoting respect and dignity for people with disabilities and will support them to lead meaningful, productive lives.


Background:
The need for a Pediatric Unit for Special Children was identified by a Central Level Hon'ble Minister (Govt. Of India) Sh. Jai Ram Ramesh. On 26th July 2010, after much planning and organization, the unit was inaugurated by Sh. Sham Lal Sharma Hon'ble Minister for Health, Horticulture & Floriculture J&K State, Sh. N. Rigzin Jora Hon'ble Minister for Tourism & Culture J&K & other dignitaries, State & District officers on 26th July 2010, with funds from a one-time grant through the National Rural Health Mission.

Summary of Outcomes:
The Ladakhi Medical team (including doctor, unit manager, physiotherapist and FMPHW) in partnership with the Canadian Therapy team prepared and decorated the unit for the recruitment of new patients. Through radio announcements, 19 patients were seen during joint training sessions with the Canadian therapy team in the first month. During the remainder of the 1st year, 25 additional patients were assessed and treated by the Ladakhi team. In total, 221 rehabilitation appointments were carried out in the unit in the first year of operation.

Services provided to families by the unit's professional staff included:
♣ Education to families and children about disability issues
♣ Counseling provided to parents about their children's conditions
♣ Rehabilitation therapy for gross motor, fine motor, learning, daily life and communication skills and mental health issues
♣ Promotion of socialization and self-confidence of the children
♣ Creation of a friendly, safe and welcoming environment where families can connect with each other and network
♣ Collaboration and referrals to other hospital departments
♣ Provision of equipment loans (walking aids) to patients
♣ Mental health trauma counseling to 9 villages after cloud burst
♣ Resource library for children, parents and professionals started with the generous assistance of Tamara Blesh, the Traveling Librarian




FUTURE - RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. Sustainable funding is necessary for retention and recruitment of permanent professional staff.

2. Ongoing awareness of disability issues to the public for continued referrals to the Pediatric Unit for Special Children.

3. Community outreach and parent education must continue through Block-level medical camps.

4. Transportation and hostel accommodation for families is required for non-Leh residents to attend the unit for medical and rehabilitation services.

5. Sustainable funding required for equipment resources and professional development.