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Diamars, 14 November 2023 AWEMainta LOCAL NEWS 31

HOH Accredited as Club Foot Center in Dutch Caribbean

THE Horacio Oduber Hospital (HOH)

has received significant accreditation
as the Club Foot center here in Aruba.
While HOH has been treating cleft
foot cases, the arrival of orthopedist

Caroline Hoenders five years ago
intensified the treatment. Orthopedist
Hoenders specializes in pediatric
care, and joining the team at HOH

aimed to provide comprehensive Club
Foot treatment in Aruba. This goal has
been achieved, and since March, the
hospital holds official accreditation,

making it a Club Foot center and the
only one in the Dutch Caribbean.

Not every hospital in the Netherlands

can treat a child with a Club Foot.
Based on standards set by the Dutch
Orthopedic Association (NOV) in
collaboration with the “NOV working

group Pediatric Orthopedics,” they
determine which hospitals receive the
certification as a Club Foot center.
Now, Aruba has official confirmation tate to contact the hospital for an rather than leave it unchecked, leading

that HOH provides high-quality treat- earlier plaster change. Early interven- to potential complications with the
ment for children with Club Foot . tion is essential, especially if the child foot.
is uncomfortable or the plaster feels
What is a Club Foot? too tight. Quality of Care:

Hoenders explains that a Club Foot TheClub Foot team, comprising plaster
is a deformity a baby is born with. The initial part of the treatment specialist Ageeth Klaster and ortho-
Previously, surgery was often neces- lasts approximately 6 to 7 weeks, pedist Caroline Hoenders, recently
sary, but the current plaster treatment followed by a change in the treatment. attended an important symposium

is more effective and safe. Many times, Subsequently, a special brace is used in England. This ensures they stay
surgery can be avoided, which is better to continue treating the foot. Klaster informed about all developments and
for the child’s development and post- notes, “We have shoes of different can adapt their treatment if necessary.
treatment recovery. During this treat- sizes, starting from very small to a size

ment, the child wears plaster every suitable for a six-year-old. Today’s During the symposium, they observed
week to correct the foot and, if needed, shoes are not ugly anymore, so there’s that their treatment is indeed excel-
a brace until the foot forms normally, no need to be embarrassed; it’s always lent, with all elements in place and of
allowing the child to walk properly. better to have them wear shoes, high quality. With this accreditation,

and then the foot will fully recover. they can now expand and offer Club
Treatment Process: Remember that it’s crucial for a child Foot care throughout the region as an
Ageeth Klaster, plaster specialist at the to walk well.” official cleft foot center.
hospital, emphasizes the importance

of consistent treatment and check- If a parent has doubts about their This marks another significant step
ups. Parents are encouraged to bring child’s foot being stiff or walking differ- forward in providing high-quality
their child in every week for treatment ently compared to other children, it’s medical services right here in Aruba.
and monitoring. It’s crucial to follow important to consult a doctor or the Wit Congratulations to the Aruba commu-

the treatment plan, and if there are Gele Kruis for a check-up. It’s better to nity for achieving excellence in medical
any concerns, they should not hesi- check and confirm “there is nothing” treatment!