Cerebral Palsy clinic host annual CP party

A Cerebral Palsy clinic is hosted monthly at Newcastle Provincial Hospital, for children with cerebral palsy and their mothers.

Since 2008, Newcastle Provincial Hospital has been hosting this Cerebral Palsy (CP) Clinic.

This clinic serves as a support / therapy group for children with CP and their parents and caregivers. The clinic is presented by the rehabilitation team at the hospital.

This includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists and audiologists. Different topics are discussed with the parents or caregivers every month and therapy is given to the children by the multi-disciplinary team. The parents / caregivers also share their experiences, ask questions and share advice.

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that is found in people from all walks of life. About one in every 300 babies born worldwide will have or develop CP. The disorder is caused when brain damage occurs early in a child’s life and it results in a lack of muscle control. These children often also have difficulty with sight, hearing, swallowing or speech. Although there is no cure, the impact of the condition can be limited, especially if therapy is started early.

Since 2012 an annual End-of-Year CP party has been hosted by the rehabilitation team to reflect on the year’s work, to honour caregivers for their hard work and dedication and to celebrate the improvements of the CP children. The function generally entails a welcoming speech, some motivational speeches by caregivers or parents, and a relevant speech by a healthcare professional. In addition to this, entertainment is usually provided by a choir or similar group. Lunch, soft drinks and cake are provided for the parents, caregivers and CP children, and “goodie bags” are distributed to the children.

The number of people attending the clinic has significantly increased, mostly as a result of awareness created through word of mouth and through the End-of-Year functions. This year’s function was presented on a much larger scale. It was hosted at Newcastle High School Sports Field on Hospital Street, opposite the Newcastle Provincial Hospital on November 27, with approximately 250 guests attending who were children with Cerebral Palsy, (aged 1-18) and their parents and caregivers.

The day was planned, administrated and hosted by the community service therapist from the rehabilitation department, Annika Meyer (occupational therapist), Ursula Kunene (physiotherapist) and Tankiso Zuma (audiologist).

The Madadeni YWCA Special School’s brass band and choir performed at the event. Dr Mahlaba, paediatric specialist at Newcastle Provincial Hospital gave a talk as well as Madadeni Disability Forum’s spokesperson, Mandla Xaba.

Sponsors of the event are thanked for their contributions: Barcelos, McDonalds, Newcastle Provincial Hospital, Newcastle Senior Primary School, Tugela School, Fine Cash and Carry, The Print Inn, YWCA Special School, Newcastle Municipality, and DJ and Kinno’s Marquee Hire.