Milk bank at George Provincial Hospital running dry

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 The George Provincial Hospital urgently needs donor milk for the 200 premature babies who end up in its neonatal unit every year.

The hospital's milk bank is quickly running out of donor milk - needed to reduce the risk of these babies developing inflammation of the bowel and other infections.
Western Cape health department spokesman for the Eden district Nadia Ferreira said by using breast milk and not formula to feed premature babies one could decrease the risk of infections such as necrotising enterocolitis.

"More than 200 premature babies are admitted to the neonatal unit at the George Provincial Hospital annually. Unfortunately not all mothers of premature babies produce enough breast milk for their own babies. Some mothers are too sick to express breast milk or have too little and it was therefore decided to establish a donor breast milk bank for the unit at the hospital in August 2010, with the vision of later supplying donor milk to all the hospitals within the Eden region," Ferreira said.

"The hospital's milk bank is unfortunately going through a very difficult period and is in urgent need of donor milk."

On average premature babies spend 60 to 100 days in hospital. Western Cape health MEC Theuns Botha also called on women who are able to support this cause, to donate milk.
"The promotion of breast milk for babies is an important part of our objective to have a healthier society and creating wellness. The proven track record that breast milk babies have stronger immunities strengthens our cause. If you are able to make this special contribution, please do," Botha said.

Any lactating or breast feeding mother, who can express enough extra milk, can donate and can contact the hospital's neonatal unit on 044-802-4577/4578.

The willing donor will be asked to visit the hospital, complete two forms and undergo a rapid HIV finger prick test. This will not take more 15 minutes. The donor will then be given a sterilised container and from there the hospital drivers will come and collect the milk at the donor's house or work. The donor milk is pasteurised by the milk kitchen team and is then issued for a specific premature baby who needs it.

Yolande Stander