Sheriff General Hospital has announced the successful completion of its first-ever brain surgery, and according to a release from the institution, it is a critical milestone in its commitment to providing comprehensive medical services in Guyana and underscores the hospital’s ability to handle complex medical procedures with its skilled in-house team.
On September 7, the hospital’s medical team, led by neurosurgeon Dr Marco Ramirez, performed life-saving surgery on José Newton, a Brazilian miner from Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil, who suffered severe head injuries in an accident.
Medevaced to the facility located at Plantation Groenveldt, Leonora, West Coast Demerara, by the hospital’s Bell 505 emergency response helicopter, Newton was immediately diagnosed with a skull fracture and a significant blood clot.
The surgery was deemed necessary after a CT scan revealed the urgent need for intervention to remove the clot and alleviate pressure on Newton’s brain. The procedure involved the temporary removal of part of the skull to address the clot, with plans to replace it after recovery, a technique that has significantly improved outcomes in traumatic brain injury cases.
According to Dr Ramirez, “The success of this operation highlights the importance of having a strong team that was able to work together for the best care and prognosis for the patient.”
Meanwhile, Newton’s wife, Josy Dayane Silva de Arruda, expressed profound gratitude for her husband’s recovery. “Today, I am very happy that he made it, that he is recovering. I don’t have words to describe my immense gratitude first to God and everyone who supported us and prayed for us… The medical team was very precise and excellent. They were all professional and attended to him and treated us very well.”
The hospital’s administration emphasised that the success of the surgery clearly indicates its growing capacity to handle complex medical procedures, enhancing quality healthcare accessibility in the region.
“This achievement is a testament to our mission to deliver top-tier medical services and our ongoing investment in healthcare excellence,” stated Ameir Ahmad, Managing Director of Sheriff Guyana.
The release noted that Sheriff General Hospital continues to invest in training and technology to expand its services, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of medical care in Guyana. It also stressed the importance of seeking prompt medical attention for head injuries, as early intervention can significantly improve recovery outcomes.
José Newton has been discharged and is recovering at home with his family, looking forward to a full recovery, the release added.
