Our information leaflets were developed to satisfy our patients' needs in this regard. Topics covered include mother and baby care following birth either by normal delivery or caesarian section, breastfeeding, bottlefeeding, immunization and clinic attendance, what happens if a newborn needs specialised care, how to adapt to a changed family life and, in the case of stillborn babies and neonatal deaths, how to cope with the loss. The leaflets are not meant to replace this relationship, but rather to strengthen the staff's efforts in providing nothing but the best care. St Dominic's maternity unit has built up an enviable reputation for excellence, with expectant mothers coming to the unit from all over the Border region, even as far afield as Grahamstown, Sterkstroom and Kokstad for their confinements. A open maternity day is held at the hospital twice yearly, usually in May and November.
Staff also provide breastfeeding advice and support as well as postnatal depression counseling.
The staff at the hospitals are involved with the Home on an ongoing basis and to date we have been involved in painting of houses, financial assistance for items such as clothes and stationery, social events and educational e.g. safety lecture. In addition, an annual event coinciding with the Afrox Bumbanani Day is arranged. A donation towards the Frere Nursing college of medical equipment, for the college s project, went towards a clinic in a squatter camp. Our ICU diploma course has been running successfully for 2 years, facilitated at the college with Afrox providing 400 hrs of teaching.