Sept- Oct 2011

Jan 09, 2012

Election results had not yet been announced when OkaZHI orthopaedic surgeons Gary & Greg O'Connor, anaesthesiologist Bill East, Family Practice physicians Diane Graham & Linda Hawker and nurses Sheila Jensen & Kim East landed in Lusaka on September 22nd, so they were able to watch the thousands of celebrants hit the streets for what turned out to be a 2 day country wide celebration for new president Michael Sata.  There was an unbelievable out pouring of joy and optimism for what the Zambian future may hold, and a great deal of national pride that the elections and transition were peaceful.  It was amazing to witness.

When the streets were passable and the buses running, the team made the journey to Mongu and a return to Lewanika Hospital where they would work for the next 2 weeks with various members of the Lewnaika medical and nursing staff in a mentoring capacity.  Sister Cathy met us at the Mongu bus station and transported us to our guesthouse where she had our dinner waiting - welcome back!!

The surgical focus of the trip was orthopaedics and the Dr's O'Connors' were enthusiastically welcomed by the Lewanika physio staff who are responsible for managing most of the fracture care.  Basic principals of appropriate management were taught and immediately implemented as evidenced by traction set-ups.  Talks on orthopaedic management were presented in large group, small group and at bedside teaching sessions to medical and nursing staff.   There was limited instruction and assistance provided in the operating theatre as the personel and facility are not equipped to handle most surgical orthopaedics and it had been determined that the focus should be more on non-surgical management and reduction of complications.

Dr East worked in the operating theatre with the clinical officers who provide anaesthesia care, focusing on improving techniques & safety of spinal anaesthesia.  Also in the theatre was nurse Sheila Jensen who worked alongside the theatre staff providing insights and alternatives, and encouraging safe operative practices - not to mention a welcome extra pair of hands.

Drs Graham and Hawker spread their time and focus throughout the wards.  Clinical rounds were observed and participated in with medical staff and teaching sessions were presented on pre-clampsia, complications in pregnancy, WHO Cardiac Risk Assessment and Dietary Sodium reduction.

Nurse Kim East worked with nurses selected from each ward on clinical assessment, basic rescusitation skills, orthopaedic complications and leadership.

October 7th had us saying goodbyes with our Zambian friends responding "so soon...please come back and stay longer"