Bright is a 10-month-old boy who was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. He has problems eating, will have problems speaking as he grows up and he can’t smile. This week, Bright, along with 22 other children, will receive life-changing plastic and reconstructive surgery, thanks to the many volunteers and Adcock Ingram.

“We appreciate that giving Bright and the other kids something as simple as a smile can add so much value to that child’s life and we are honoured to be able to make a difference to these children's lives,” said Adcock Ingram CEO Dr Jonathan Louw. “Our continued partnership with the Smile Foundation reiterates our commitment to adding value to life and, this week, we are adding value to one child at a time,” says Louw.

The holistic approach to care by the Smile Foundation ensures that the children and their parents receive counselling and information on the procedures in preparation for the life-changing operations. Procedures being performed this week include: cleft lip and palate surgeries, burns reconstructive surgery, hand cases and a mid-face distraction. One of the highlights of this special week is the children’s party that takes place later in the week, where all children will be able to show off their new smiles.

Skills development is a key area of investment for the Smile Foundation with a formal programme that was launched at the beginning of the year. Surgeons, nurses and auxiliary services such as psychologists and speech therapists are offered the opportunity to expand their skills base through various channels throughout the year.

In addition to the surgical component of the Smile Week, a pain management programme for over 70 attendees, including nurses, anaesthetists and surgeons, will be run. “All theatre and ward nurses need to understand that children express pain in different ways. Children are often not able to express the presence or extent of their pain and, therefore, innovative ways of understanding this may be necessary. This workshop provides an opportunity to identify various methods and techniques to implement in their work environment,” said Moira Gerszt, chief operations officer (COO) of the Smile Foundation.

“Medication is not always the appropriate way to handle pain particularly on a long-term basis. The workshop presents the various ways through medication, aromatherapy, music therapy and psychological support [programmes] that can facilitate effective pain management,” added Gerszt.

The partnership between Adcock Ingram and Smile Foundation has been in existence since 2010 and has resulted in more than 60 little lives being changed. Adcock Ingram is not only sponsoring the week, it will also be supplying the hospital with relevant medication to ensure the week is a success.