There was something a little different about Ormiston Hospital on Saturday 9 May. While weekends can usually be a bit quieter around the hospital, two theatres were running full steam ahead as 16 tamariki arrived for surgery as part of our second Community Surgery Day, delivered in partnership with the Southern Cross Health Trust’s Charitable Surgery Programme.
Across the day, children aged between one and nine received adenotonsillectomies and grommet procedures to help address long-standing ENT issues that had been impacting their hearing, learning, confidence and overall wellbeing – the kind of things that matter enormously at such a formative age.
For many families, accessing timely surgical care can be incredibly difficult. Procedures that make a real difference to a child’s quality of life can come with long wait times or significant costs, and for some whānau those barriers are simply too high. Through the Charitable Surgery Programme, those gaps are bridged at no cost to patients or their families, so children can get the care they need when they need it most.
Meet Lucas
One of the children supported on the day was two-year-old Lucas Ouwejan, who had been struggling with ear infections and glue ear for over a year before requiring grommet surgery. His mum Danielle watched with growing concern as the condition began to affect more than just his ears. “It unfortunately started affecting his hearing — he gets really startled and loses his balance,” she said. When an audiologist confirmed that Lucas couldn’t hear well at all, Danielle knew she needed to push harder to get him help. “I know that for a two-year-old, it’s such an important time for development.”
What weighed on her most was seeing his personality change. Once a child who would “walk into a room and be so happy, confident, and outgoing,” Lucas had become unsettled by loud noises, anxious in busy environments, and reluctant to leave her side. “I just want him to find that confidence again,” she said.
A team effort, through and through
The day was made possible through the generosity of specialists and staff who gave up their Saturday to volunteer their time and expertise. ENT surgeons Dr Angus Shao and Dr Lesley Salkeld performed procedures throughout the day, supported by anaesthetists Dr Marlin de Silva and Dr Francois Stapelberg. The atmosphere in the hospital reflected why everyone was there. “Everyone is there because they genuinely want to make a difference, and you can really feel that,” said one staff member.
Dr Shao spoke to just how much these procedures can change a child’s life. “A grommet procedure typically takes just 10 to 15 minutes, but the difference it can make is extraordinary — for these children, it’s not just about hearing better, it’s about confidence, language development and being able to fully participate with their peers.” For Ormiston Hospital CEO Angela Shaw, days like this are a reflection of what the hospital is here for. “By bringing together skilled clinicians and charitable support, we’re able to help make a meaningful difference locally,” she said.
This year marked the second Community Surgery Day hosted at Ormiston Hospital, building on the success of the inaugural event in 2025. We wish Lucas and all the other children involved a smooth recovery and all the very best as they continue to grow, learn and thrive.
A huge thank you to every specialist, nurse, anaesthetist and staff member who volunteered their time to support the day. The care, compassion and teamwork on display made a meaningful difference for 16 local children and their whānau.
