At Smith+Nephew, we hold the company purpose of Life Unlimited close to our hearts. Each of us is acutely and proudly aware that the work we do here, contributes to improving patient's lives.
Neiser and Evelyn are based at our Coyol site in Costa Rica supporting the manufacture and development of our ENT portfolio. Evelyn works in Production and Neiser works in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering as part of the New Product Development team. Together, they have supported the development and production of our ENT technologies for a combined total of 31 years. But recently, they experienced the positive impact of our technologies at close quarters... in their own son.
Five-year-old Gael had been suffering with sleep apnea and inflamed sinuses for over two years. Regular infections, visits to the doctor, difficulty breathing, and poor sleep quality were leading to continuous medications and slowed development.
After finding an ENT specialist, it became clear that the most effective solution for his symptoms would be surgery.
One of the procedures recommended included turbinate reduction. For this, the Smith+Nephew Turbinate Reduction Wand was used; a product that Neiser had previously worked on while it was still in development.
"Every day that I do my job, I feel a lot of responsibility. In the end, everything we do helps to improve the quality of life for someone. In this case, it's so amazing for me to think that a product that I worked on has helped my son to recover a normal life" said Neiser.
Following successful procedures, Gael has been able to focus more on playing and less on his breathing. His sleep quality has improved dramatically.
For Gael's parents, watching their son regain his childhood means everything.
Life. Unlimited.
Gael pictured with his parents Neiser and Evelyn, and his older brother, Joshua.