Mowbray Maternity Hospital
Mowbray Maternity Hospital, situated in the suburb of Mowbray, Cape Town, has a rich history dating back to 1916 when it first opened as the Wheatfield Nursing Home. Over the past century, the hospital has transformed from a small private nursing home into one of the leading public maternity hospitals in South Africa. With deep roots in the land granted to early settlers in the 17th century, the hospital has seen remarkable milestones, including the birth of the world’s first surviving sextuplets in 1974 and ongoing innovations in maternal and neonatal care. Its centenary celebrations in 2016 paid tribute to generations of dedicated staff and the countless lives brought into the world through its doors.
Anaesthetic Department
The Anaesthetic Department at MMH plays a crucial role in ensuring safe and effective pain management and anaesthesia for obstetric procedures. The department benefits from valuable teaching and service input from the University of Cape Town's Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine
Services Provided
- Obstetric Anaesthesia: Comprehensive anaesthetic care for labour and delivery, including pain relief options and anaesthesia for caesarean sections.
- Critical Care Services: Management of critically ill obstetric patients, ensuring both maternal and foetal safety during complex procedures.
- Education and Training: As part of its affiliation with the University of Cape Town, the department is involved in the training of medical officers, registrars, and undergraduate students in the field of anaesthesia.
Staff
The anaesthetic team comprises experienced specialists and medical officers dedicated to providing high-quality care. Notable staff members include Dr. Claire Pfister, who serves as the Lead Anaesthetist at Mowbray Maternity Hospital and is a Specialist Anaesthetist within the University of Cape Town's Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine.