Category: Uncategorized

The end of the year has been somewhat hectic with the explosion of Covid-19 cases, ever since the month of August, leaving the Mauritian population between uncertainty and panic. To address the situation, the Clinique Bon Pasteur, like many hospitals and private clinics, has therefore put everything in place to provide its patients with a safe and secure space, where their health remains the priority. Dr Tadebois, Medical Director of the Clinic, is giving us a feedback.

As Covid-19 is sweeping across the country, hospitals and clinics are scrambling to maintain high-quality treatments for their patients, while providing them with a safe and continually sanitized space. At the Clinique Bon Pasteur, the Hippocratic Oath is taken seriously. ‘Our primary mission here is to welcome everyone and provide them with the necessary care,’ says Dr. Tadebois.

If the Clinic spares no effort to meet all needs, it does however have its limits regarding the treatment of severe Covid-19 cases. ‘Patients suffering from a severe form of Covid-19 must imperatively be taken in charge by competent doctors in an Intensive Care Unit,’ the doctor further explains. Since the clinic does not have this type of structure, such patients are transferred to other centres to receive the most adequate treatments for their condition. ‘It’s more or less the same thing as with certain strokes or myocardial infarction, depending on the conditions: we are not equipped for such interventions and prefer to transfer patients in such cases to ensure them the best possible treatment,’ adds Dr. Tadebois.

Although the clinic does not have the appropriate structures to treat serious cases of Covid-19, it has all the same implemented many protocols to prevent the spread of the virus and ensure patients’ safety. First, a PCR test is performed on all patients prior to admission, and if they are found positive to Covid-19, they are referred to a more adequate treatment centre. ‘Even so, whether Covid-positive or not, we remain committed to dealing with all emergencies,’ Dr Tadebois points out.

Besides the testing, there is a whole series of measures, which are applied as soon as the patient arrives. This also extends to visitors, since visits to hospitalized patients are still possible. Temperature check, hand sanitation, and verification of the vaccination record all serve as barricades to hamper virus spread. In addition, whenever visits are taking place, only one person at a time is allowed.

The same applies to caregivers, who are subject to numerous safety measures as defined by the Ministry of Health’s protocol. These include hygiene rules, which have been reviewed and strengthened for increased prevention: hand hygiene, staff vaccination, the sanitation of the different spaces and the use of personal protective equipment, for instance. Such measures, which are scrupulously observed, are also subject to constant monitoring in order to maintain strict implementation.

To ensure staff’s safety and lower spreading risk during surgery, both caregivers and patients are tested. “This helps protect not only the patient undergoing surgery, but also all the attending staff,” says Dr. Tadebois. Whenever caregivers show signs of suspicious symptoms, they are tested and, in the event of a positive result, will be self-isolating for a few days, so as not to infect anybody around them.

Your health remains our priority. For more information on the protocols in force, do not hesitate to call 401 95 00.

Orthopedic and trauma surgery

Orthopedic and trauma surgery pertains to all interventions on the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves) following a malformation or an accident. Orthopedics covers a vast domain and a number of specialties, traumatology being the main one. When to consult and what for? Dr Gopal, an orthopedic and trauma surgeon at the Clinique Bon Pasteur and hospital administrator, sheds light on the matter.

Orthopedic and trauma surgery is a particularly vast medical sphere. It spreads across several fields, including arthroplasty (joint replacement), sports medicine (arthroscopy), limb and spine restoration surgery, orthopedic oncology and deformity correction. Each orthopedic and trauma surgeon specialises in a field, and can count on a whole array of cutting-edge tools to treat patients, who are referred to them by general practitioners, except in emergency cases.

“Our primary goal is to ensure that our patients reach their best physical shape. For example, we help them regain their independence as they start walking again,” explains Dr Gopal. The days of an orthopedic and trauma surgeon are never the same, since there is a great number and diversity of cases, ranging from common ailments such as age-induced pains, to more severe conditions such as polytrauma or fulminating infections.

The most frequent reasons for patient visits at the Clinique Bon Pasteur are multiple. “The most common cases are osteoporosis and other age-related conditions such as hip fracture, osteoporotic fractures, deformation of the spinal column and wrist fracture,” Dr Gopal further explains. While adults most often consult for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or osteoporosis, children can also receive treatment for congenital deformities. Other recurring reasons for consultation include on-site accidents and road accidents.

The interventions of an orthopedic and trauma surgeon differ from case to case. “As examples, we’ve had to correct limb length in children, whose legs did not develop correctly after birth, as well as in adults, who needed bone regrowth after an infection or an accident,” says Dr Gopal. Other age-related interventions, such as joint replacement, which count among the most successful surgeries, are offering elderly people a new lease of life.

The insertion of plates, screws and nails is another example of surgical intervention in traumatology. It allows patients to move shortly after surgery, without experiencing joint stiffness. Sport injuries are also frequent reasons for consultation. Cruciate ligament tear, knee strain or shoulder injuries (strain or dislocation) are common and easy to treat. “In such cases, we usually perform arthroscopic surgeries, which are minimally invasive and less painful. The inpatient stay and recovery time are thus shortened, and the chances to develop an infection are reduced,” adds Dr. Gopal.

Before undergoing any surgical procedure, a pre-operative orthopedic workup is however indispensable to ensure patients’ security and preparation for the operation. This includes full clinical examination, blood tests and x-rays. Such tests are used to establish the patient’s profile and assess their general health condition, the presence of comorbidities, and the condition of their vital organs. “This is a very important workup as it helps assess the risks for the patient, who will be placed under anesthesia and undergo surgery. From there, we can advise the patient and their relatives, so they are given the opportunity to think before taking a decision,” says Dr Gopal. Pre-operative workup does not only apply to orthopedic procedures, but precedes every surgical intervention. The number of tests and the necessity of in-depth examination depend on the nature of the intervention and other factors, such as age and known comorbidities.

The length of the stay at the clinic varies from case to case and according to the patient’s condition. While some procedures, such as diagnostic arthroscopy, tendon repair and the treatment of fractures, can be done on an outpatient basis, other major interventions require inpatient care, the length of which is determined by the specialist. Furthermore, the industry of orthopedic surgery is continuously breaking new ground, with more effective and innovative tools being produced every year. “With the introduction of new techniques and technologies, inpatient stay tends to be reduced. We had patients who underwent complex spinal surgeries and were released after one day only,” says Dr Gopal.

Thinking of making an appointment with an orthopedic and trauma surgeon? Call 401 95 00 and we will guide you.

Though visual impairments tend to appear in adolescence, they sometimes develop at a very young age and can even be present at birth. So how do you identify vision problems in a child? Dr Fakim, an ophthalmologist at the Bon Pasteur Clinic, tell us more.

Young children or teenagers typically visit the ophthalmologist because of refractive errors such as myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia or, more rarely, keratoconus, an eye disease that typically begins at puberty. While a teenager will notice a decline in his or her eyesight, it’s often more difficult for a younger child to do so. It is therefore important to pay close attention to the subtle, early signs of a visual impairment. “You should pay attention to what the child says and take into account any headaches on the way home from school. You should also look out for behavioural changes such as a tendency to watch television from closer up or an unexpected decline in their performance at school,” explains Dr Fakim.

If you think your child may have a visual impairment, you can carry out some tests to get a better sense of their visual acuity. Can your child make out a license plate that you can read? Does a picture in a book appear clearly to him or her? For infants, take notice of eye tracking issues – that is, difficulty in following an object with their eyes – and for crossed eyes (strabismus). If in doubt, book a visit to the clinic so your child can undergo a thorough ophthalmological examination. If he or she can read and write, he will have to decipher the same charts that are used for adults. If they can’t, they will be asked to identify images. For newborn and pre-schoolers, “objective” tests are used to identify refractive errors. And direct ophthalmoscopic examination of the optic nerve and retina through the dilated pupil can also help detect other abnormalities.

While many less common conditions such as strabismus or lazy eye syndrome require further treatment, wearing the right glasses is often sufficient to address most visual impairments. “Although the style of glasses is entirely up to the child, it is important to choose lightweight frames, which are more comfortable, as well as unbreakable plastic lenses for those under 16. These will prevent serious eye injuries in the event of an accident,” adds Dr Fakim.

Although most vision problems are constitutional and genetic, there are still things you can do to ensure your child’s eyes are as healthy as possible. A balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals is of course important, but everyday risks should not be ignored. “All household maintenance products should be securely stored, as they can be very dangerous for young children. Car accidents are also a frequent source of eye injuries, so make sure your child rides in the back seat, as far away from the windscreen as possible. And during festive periods, accidents involving firecrackers or fireworks cause partial or total loss of sight in many children every year,” concludes Dr Fakim.

Do you think your child or teenager has a visual disorder? Don’t hesitate to contact us on 401 95 00. Our specialists will be able to help and advise you about what steps to take.

Eye diseases are common, occur at every age, and, in most cases, are benign. While some conditions are more frequent among older patients, others appear early on. All require a consultation with an ophthalmologist. Dr Bisneathsing, an ophthalmologist at the Bon Pasteur Clinic, tells us about common eye problems.

While patients consult with their ophthalmologist for many different reasons, certain conditions are more recurrent than others, according to Dr Bisneathsing. The most common – and usually benign – issues are as follows:

• Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. Typical symptoms include eyelids that stick together upon waking, pain, a burning sensation and blurred vision. After a clinical examination to confirm the diagnosis, a simple treatment consisting of warm water compresses, cleaning the eyelids with a sterile solution and massaging the eyelids is usually recommended. If the symptoms persist, an antibiotic ointment should be applied.
• A stye is an infection that appears at the base of the eyelashes. Styes can be very painful and are among the most common reasons that patients see their ophthalmologist. Applying warm water compresses to the eye generally helps the stye disappear within a few days. If the stye persists and is accompanied by pain and fever, an antibiotic ointment or an oral antibiotic may be prescribed. If the stye still does not go away, it may require a small operation to remove it.
• A chalazion is a fairly common type of cyst that appears in the thickness of the eyelid. Unlike a stye, its appearance is gradual and painless. A chalazion can usually be removed with warm water compresses, but if it persists and causes discomfort, an antibiotic ointment can be applied or an incision made to remove it.
• Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent membrane of the eye. There are two types: allergic conjunctivitis and infectious conjunctivitis. The former, caused by cane flowers or fruit tree blossoms for instance, is treated with eye drops. It is common in children with asthma and should be monitored to avoid complications. Infectious conjunctivitis, which occurs most often during the change of seasons, usually requires antibiotic and antiviral treatment as well as antiseptic eye drops.
• Dry eyes are itchy and uncomfortable and are caused by a chronic lack of lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. In this case, the eyes don’t produce enough tears, which have antiseptic properties and protect the eyes from routine infections. To remedy this, the eye must be artificially lubricated with eye drops and massages.

Other, more serious conditions tend be to linked to ageing. This is the case for the following two diseases:
• Glaucoma, a hereditary condition linked to an increase in eye pressure, can lead to blindness if it is not treated. In its chronic form, it can appear gradually, without any particular symptoms, and impair the patient’s visual function without them being aware of the problem. It’s therefore important to schedule frequent eye exams from the age of 40 onwards, both for the patient and members of his or her family. In its acute form, it is accompanied by pain, reduces the individual’s field of vision very quickly, and must be treated urgently. Treatment involves the application of eye drops followed by a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Surgery or laser surgery may be performed at a later stage.
• Cataracts result from the opacification of the crystalline lens, causing the patient’s vision to become cloudy. It manifests as a gradual decline in visual acuity which, if untreated, can lead to blindness. While the disease’s uncomfortable early symptoms can be alleviated by changing the person’s glasses or contact lenses, the only recommended treatment is surgery to remove the lens and replace it with a synthetic version.

However, according to Dr Bisneathsing, one other disease causes the most eye problems in Mauritius. “We have a very high rate of diabetes, which can have serious consequences for people’s vision. Most of the time, diabetic patients develop eye problems gradually and painlessly,” he explains.

Indeed, diabetes is a major risk factor for eye disease. The most common problem is diabetic retinopathy, which affects up to 50% of people with type 2 diabetes. This silent disease is the result of high blood sugar levels that damage the retina, potentially leading to a gradual loss of vision.

In addition to these complications, diabetes is a major contributor to the development of recurrent infections such as chalazions, blepharitis and styes. It is also associated with a higher incidence of refractive disorders, including the early onset of presbyopia for instance, as well as visual disorders such as cataracts or glaucoma. These disorders should not be ignored, as they can also lead to vision loss.

To prevent these complications, diabetic patients should undergo regular screening tests, during which a specialist will photograph their retina to see whether their eyes have undergone any changes. Assuming regular screenings are carried out and problems are caught early, the first option is a preventive treatment to control the patient’s cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. “However, if a disorder develops that could potentially lead to blindness, surgery or laser treatment is essential,” explains Dr Bisneathsing.

While there is no specific diet that prevents eye diseases from developing, the type of life we lead strongly influences our eye health. “It is advisable to have a healthy lifestyle; eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C and B2; drink plenty of water; and, above all, protect your eyes everyday by wearing sunglasses and taking regular breaks from screens, among other things,” says Dr Bisneathsing.

For more information, please contact our specialists on 401 95 00.

World Patient Safety Day is held on the 17th of September every year. For its 2021 campaign, the WHO has chosen to focus on safe maternal and newborn care. The aim is to create a safe and caring environment in which parents-to-be can prepare for childbirth. Here’s how to enjoy peace of mind during this crucial time.

• Taking an active role in your delivery

Pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum represent a big change for mothers-to-be. Many women don’t know what to expect and aren’t sufficiently prepared for this new chapter in their lives. It’s important to lay the groundwork for a safe delivery well ahead of time, so women go into labour in the best possible circumstances. To ensure they receive appropriate care, mothers-to-be are also asked to take an active role in their pregnancy and labour.

Your medical team will plan frequent appointments to monitor your pregnancy. It is vital that you not only attend these appointments but also actively participate in them. You’ll be working alongside an entire team of people whose jobs are to make sure your labour and delivery go smoothly; the keywords here are dialogue, respect, and friendly yet effective communication. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, share any concerns and explain how you feel: our medical staff is trained to guide you every step of the way.

The most important part of preparing to become a mother is making time for self-care. Pregnancy is an opportunity to focus on yourself so you can make the most of the tiny being growing in your belly. You’ll need all your energy when baby arrives, so make sure to recharge your batteries well before the big day! It’s also important to have plenty of emotional support, which is why you’re encouraged to choose a birth support partner. Though you’ll have lots of help during the first few days of your child’s life, it’s nonetheless advisable to actively take part in your child’s care and medical monitoring.

• The responsibility of friends and family

Preparing for childbirth isn’t just a job for the mother-to-be! Your partner, family and friends all play a key role and are a crucial source of support. While their presence is important, as is good communication, they also have a part to play in safeguarding both mother and child. Given the ongoing pandemic, it’s more important than ever to consider the risks associated with day-to-day activities.

Friends and family will need to ensure that the mother-to-be has access to safe and respectful care at every stage of her pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period. When the future mum enters a medical facility, their loved ones will need to check that social distancing is enforced, and that hygiene and safety measures are taken.

While your medical team has your best interests at heart, it is essential that you get involved in your care every step of the way by engaging in dialogue and taking part in decision-making. Access to quality care is a fundamental right and it is up to you to assert it. So don’t hesitate to discuss these issues with those around you and to support initiatives to make childbirth safer!

For more information, please contact our midwives on 401 95 00. Drawing on their experience, they’ll offer guidance and answer any questions you may have.

If you, or a loved one has to undergo surgery, this situation can create an emotional roller-coaster, ranging from anxiety, to relief, to worry about post-surgical follow-up. But how does it work for the medical staff in terms of emotions, and how do they cope with these?
For Sophie St Mart, operating theatre supervisor at Clinique Bon Pasteur “it is important to detach oneself from the emotions than can come with a surgical intervention”. Indeed, this emotional detachment is important in order for medical professionals to carry out their responsibility to the best of their ability.

Manage patients’ concerns
Detachment requires empathy, in order for the medical team to help the patient relax upon arrival in the operating room, and to remain by their side during the procedure and after resuscitation, without being overwhelmed by their emotions.
The first step will therefore be to set the patient’s mind at rest upon arrival in the operating room, by relaxing the atmosphere. Once the procedure is complete, it is time to move on to the resuscitation stage. This step can be quite tricky because, as Sophie St Mart explains, “although there is a very minimal risk of non-resuscitation due to an uncontrollable reaction, we are always prepared for any possibility, and thus, always relieved when the procedure goes well and the patient comes to himself”.
Care must be taken for the patients to be reassured when they come to themselves after the procedure. Nurses will thus remind them where they are, because they can be quite confused, due to the sedatives. And this can give rise to quite funny situations. Sophie St Mart recalls a situation with a touch of humor: “It happened once that I talked to a patient just after resuscitation, in order to reassure him. However, this patient seemed very awake, and confided in me, without however being conscious of doing so. A little later, he could not understand how I knew these things about him, and didn’t want to believe that he could have confided in me without being able to recall that verbal exchange at all! ”

The loved ones’ emotions
If the patient has had a simple procedure, his/her relatives may show signs of anxiety before the operation. This will however be followed by a sigh of relief when the patient returns from the operating room, especially if the doctor or nurses explain that everything has gone well. Nevertheless, depending on the patient’s health situation, nurses may also have to deal with the relatives’ concerns when the patient returns from the operating room, especially if the patient’s condition will require specific care or follow-up once the patient will have left the clinic. If the medical team is faced with a situation where the patient has cancer for example, there will be concern from loved ones for follow-up, and a lot of questioning about how to handle this once they all get back home.

The medical team’s emotions
According to Sophie St Mart, “we sometimes have to face quite difficult situations in our profession, and we are humans above all” It is therefore advisable to keep a cool head in front of the patient, but if the emotional load is too high, one has to be able to let go. For her, it is important to be able to let go, but not in front of the patient or their loved ones.

Empathy is therefore very characteristic of the medical team at Clinique Bon Pasteur, especially before, during and after surgery. It is therefore not a question of being devoid of emotions, but of knowing how to manage them. As this profession is a vocation above all, Clinique Bon Pasteur is evolving in line with its philosophy: that of being a family institution where human values are coupled with a professional approach.

Keeping the philosophy of the Sisters of the Bon et Perpetuel Secours who managed the Clinique Bon Pasteur during the last century, while bringing a touch of modernity, is the challenge that Dr. François Tadebois, director of the clinic, has accepted to take up. Thus, in his eyes, the establishment remains a family clinic, even if the infrastructure has seen significant improvements over the years, and even if there is still a long way to go…

Many might not know it, but the Clinique Bon Pasteur is the oldest private clinic in the country! Founded in 1932, it belonged to the congregation of the Bon et Perpetuel Secours. A beautiful picture of the Sisters smiling in front of the original building is hanging at the reception of the clinic today, as a reminder of these memories from the last century. The diocese took over until the clinic was sold in 1997.

It is said that the older the violin, the sweeter the music! Then, the rich history of the Clinique Bon Pasteur is the foundation that has inspired the philosophy dictating the clinic’s dynamics today. As Dr. Tadebois, director of the Clinique Bon Pasteur explains, the very philosophy of the clinic’s services today is imbued with the vision that the Sisters of the Bon et Perpetuel Secours developed back then.

“We bought the clinic from the diocese in 1997. Our goal since then, has been to perpetuate, through our services, the values developed since the clinic’s establishment: being a small family clinic, where people are comfortable and where a relationship of trust is established between the care provider and the patient”. These values remain, even if the new leadership of the clinic has gradually included a modern twist to it.

Thus, since 1997, a gradual enhancement has been seen: the working conditions of the staff have been improved, as well as the infrastructures and the medical services. For example, ophthalmic services are of a very good standard, as well as maternity services, or abdominal surgery. The operating theatre has also been significantly enhanced and is a center of excellence for cataract treatments, orthopedic surgery and other treatments. Radiology services have also been developed.

And the clinic’s progress will not stop there, because Dr. Tadebois has got loads of future projects: “We want to add services, review the consultations functioning, and further improve the operating theatre, in view of being equipped in terms of high medical technology”.
However, despite this vision regarding the development of the clinic, Dr. Tadebois remains very down to earth. The clinic keeps its hospitality and family atmosphere, and will always do. They thus do not have any plans of becoming an ultra-sophisticated structure where this basic philosophy will gradually vanish. “We are not here to rip off our patients, but to offer quality services, while preserving the family atmosphere and hospitality, that is felt as soon as someone walks through the door of the clinic’s reception».

And as a matter of fact, on this black and white picture at the reception, the Sisters witness this warm welcome every day, as a testimony that their philosophy has survived the test of time. Almost a century later, patients are still welcome with this sweet hospitality, enhanced by a high level of service. Today, they are thus always confident that their health are in good hands at Clinique Bon Pasteur.