I am now into my third week working in Kiambu District Hospital paediatric department. Compared with the placements some of the other Global Links volunteers are undertaking, I am in a relatively well resourced hospital. We have two paediatric consultants, a paediatric ward and a newborn unit. The paediatric ward has 49 beds, although there are frequently 70 or 80 patients in the ward. It’s not unusual to find 3 children sharing a bed. The unit is never full! The newborn unit is similar, with 30-40 babies, usually sharing cots and incubators. Deaths are an almost daily occurrence. A variety of factors contribute to this, late presentation, underlying malnutrition, limited investigations and limited resources to name but a few.
I am however enjoying myself, there are huge opportunities for me to hone my clinical skills and I enjoy the opportunities I have to teach the interns. The large numbers of patients mean that I’m getting great clinical experience.
There are several benefits to living in Kiambu town, not least that fact that this is a farming area and fresh fruit and veg are available in abundance. I’m also living reasonably close to Nairobi, which means that I have access to all the benefits of a big city (i.e. great food!).
My hope is that my time here will help me develop as a physician, I have so much to learn. I also hope that as an extra set of hands in Kiambu I can use my time to help develop the service that is offered to patients here.
So 6 months now lie before me, I’m looking forward to seeing what they hold!
Ross was telling me on tbe nightshift last night, about your time so far. What a totally different world you are in.
Well done you for doing it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Mandy… I have fond memories of the beautifully stocked and organised ED trollies!
LikeLike
What a fantastic post, it’s is fantastic to hear what normality is for you, keep up the great work, looking forward to herring more x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I admire your commitment. Hope all goes well. Look after all the wee buttons out there x
LikeLike
Thanks Linda! 🙂
LikeLike
Hi Stuart i am sure you will be a great asset to all the patients and people you work with.It will be an experience you wont forget so enjoy the rest of your time there and stay safe.love Sandra.xx.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Sandra 🙂
LikeLike
Great job Stuart. Well done mate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Stephen! 🙂
LikeLike
Your a great doctor… But more importantly you are a good man – becoming fewer and more far between! Be assured of our prayers while you are there. It’s important to look after yourself as well.
Will look forward to reading your blogs. Please let us know if there is anything more practical that we could possibly help with.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those are incredibly kind words Mark, thank you so much, but thank you especially for you prayers – they’re very much appreciated.
LikeLike