Ward Life and other things

Now I have settled in a little, the reality of the lives of my patients has begun to sink in. Today was a lovely shift. I have loved teaching my patients about caring for their wounds when they go home. We teach them hand washing and how to make sterile saline water to clean their wounds, as well as getting them to take part in redressing their wounds. I have been working with patients undergoing maxillo facial surgery the last few days. When they eventually have their bulky bandages removed and see their faces in the mirror it is quite an experience. Many have large facial tumours removed, others need reconstruction of their jaws.
We have also had some more orthopaedic surgeons arrive, so we will be having many more orthopaedic patients through the wards now.

On occasions patients are not able to have surgery because of conditions such as HIV or TB diagnosed on their admission to the ship. One of those moments happened recently, and it was pretty tough. Fortunately on board there are trained counsellors to give the information needed and refer for treatment. It is difficult to express to people who's language you can't speak, the concern and sadness you feel for them. I just wanted to take this girl in my arms and cry with her.

The war in Liberia ended in 2003 and looking at some of the patients, the aftermath has clearly taken it's toll. I was able to chat to someone when out in the town the other day, and they pointed out the obvious infrastructure that was in place previously. Lampposts are in place drainage systems and the like, but all in pieces, destroyed for every thing salvagable. A huge high rise hotel can be seen from the ship in central Monrovia, it is a fairly impressive building, but now just a shell. It is obvious that the war continues to impact on the health of the people as they come in for surgery.

I am amazingly privelaged to be here and trying to make a difference...!
More to follow soon...

PS THe Kayley on the dock, awesome, we had bag pipes adn everything!!