Canadian Red Cross boosts Philippines typhoon relief

The Canadian Red Cross medical teamdelivered more than 20 babies today in an emergency field hospital in Ormoc, Philippines.

A team of 12 Canadians is workingwith local doctors who were left without clinics or hospitals after Typhoon Haiyanripped through theregion two weeks ago, killing thousands of people and leaving millions homeless.

• Mass burials may complicate Philippines typhoonrecovery

Dr. Danielle Perreault,a member of the Canadian team on the ground, told CBC News thefield hospital took 48 hours to assemble. It includes a surgery ward andneo-natalwards for mothers and children.

"I am very impressed with it,"said Perreault."You can imagine 20 deliveries a day, you really need a set-up in order to be ready."

Perreaultadded that localdoctors are taking the lead in treating patients, and that the Canadian team'sprimary responsibility is to help fill the equipment gap.

One thing Perreault said doctors need to be prepared foris therisk of patients gettingtetanus infections from bacteria. Babies bear the added risk ofgastroenteritis infections paired with dehydration, which may need to be treated with IV therapy, she said. Lung infections and fever are also being investigated at the site.

The team'slong hours, sleepless nights and hard work at the tent hospitalis being repaid with smiles and gratitude, saidPerreault. People have been stopping them in the streets to thank them for their help.

"It was the warmest welcome I ever, ever witnessed,"Perreault said.