Tulipanes Hospital – Guatemala’s First Cleft Lip Hospital For The Poor
Tess Unlimited has been helping children born with cleft lip and palate in Guatemala since 2008. Until recently, the foundation has operated in several partner hospitals throughout Guatemala. In 2014, founder Tessa de Goede started dreaming about building her own cleft lip and palate hospital. Many enthusiastic conversations followed but knowing it would be a big project, she mostly just kept dreaming.
By the end of 2016, this dream started to take shape when Tessa’s brother Tom wondered why they didn’t turn their current office building into a hospital. At the time, the foundation’s office was located in a beautiful building in San Gaspar Vivar, a small village just outside La Antigua Guatemala. Speech therapy sessions and patient evaluations were held here, among other things. At first, the property seemed a little too small, but the more they thought about it, the more it seemed like a good idea.
In 2017, the foundation started working with a medical architect. He was shown around the location and became enthusiastic immediately. This could be turned into a hospital! Drawings were requested and an extensive project plan was drawn up. The search for funds could now begin, which was not easy.
Two years later, the funds had been raised and the building permit was ready. Now, the real work could begin! The office was moved to the building next door and construction was completed at the end of 2020. The new hospital was painted and decorated with lots of love and attention to detail and on March 5, 2022, Tulipanes hospital was officially inaugurated. A dream came true!
Tulipanes cleft lip hospital here in Antigua Guatemala, is the very first cleft lip hospital in Guatemala that is making comprehensive care accessible to poor families who can’t afford private hospitals. A hospital that not only performs surgeries, but also provides all pre- and postoperative care. By having their own facility, Tess Unlimited foundation is no longer dependent on other hospitals. Where previously the organisation could provide life-changing surgery to about 200-300 children per year, it is expected that at Tulipanes hospital, between 500-600 surgeries can be performed annually.
In addition to performing surgeries, the hospital also cares for children for longer periods of time (when necessary). Local dentists and orthodontists provide their services and the hospital offers opportunities to train local professionals. Goal is to make the foundation’s working methods as sustainable as possible.
The Tulipanes cleft lip hospital in Antigua Guatemala, offers a “Home Away From Home”. Children with cleft lip and palate often undergo multiple surgeries and treatments from a young age, which can be very scary. Rather than coming to the clinic in fear, the foundation strives to welcome them with open arms and a smile. The many details, cheerful colours and playful murals make the clinic very child-friendly and home-feeling. This is the place where everyone will walk through with a smile. And, where many, many smiles will only become more beautiful. A real “Happy Hospital’!
Written by Tessa de Goede de Ordoñez
To arrange a visit, or make a donation, email: [email protected] or call/WhatsApp +502 4550-7798
