Title: "The Implementation of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) at Groote Schuur Hospital"

Eleanor Ryan

This will be discussed under the following headings:

1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The concept of KMC was first introduced to GSH by Dr. Nils Bergman in October From October 1995 - September 1996. KMC was done in an intermittent sort of way.

Parents were introduced to the concept of KMC by staff members who felt good and excited about KMC. In October 1996 - our Pre-discharged Unit was converted into a 4 bedded room for KMC. A further 2 beds were added.

In January 1998 renovations to the existing 6 bedded KMC ward were completed and in February 1998 the 10 bedded KMC ward was officially opened.

2. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED WITH IMPLEMENTATION

A) Changing of mind sets - staff, patients, public

B) Staffing the KMC ward

C) Problems with the KMC ward -staff, parents , babies, feeding of mothers, general hygiene

3. HOW PROBLEMS WERE SOLVED

1. Staff Education - slides, video / incorporated into neonatal course

2. Parent Education - slides, video / talks

3. Information Pamphlet

4. Research study in 1996 by Michelle Kronson (honours Dietetic Student)

5. Patient survey by Neonatal students in 1998

6. Community Involvement