We have many workstreams at SWIFTSS beyond our ‘headlining’ AMHSI. Sometimes, we are able to acquire surgical instruments (and other equipment) either through donations, or ones that have become redundant in the UK (because of natural turnover, restructuring or sometimes because they don’t carry the latest ‘kite’ marks). We only save those of high quality and that we know will be useful.
We often ‘trickle’ these out on our various visits, addressing specific gaps that we are told about. The clinicians among us know how transformative having the optimal instruments can be. The right retractor or a sharp pair of scissors may sound pretty fundamental, but such is the reality of the disparities found in Global Healthcare. Little things really can make a massive difference.
Sr Temba asked for our help with providing some new instruments for their Health Centre in Kididima, Muheza. Having retired from working in Government Hospitals, she is now focussing her time on those centres opened and managed by her convent. We are delighted to have been able to help, sending a large box with most of the ‘wish list’ out to her. Shipping things to Africa can be challenging, but on this occasion the package was delivered in excellent time (just 7 days), having navigated all the ‘hoops’ smoothly including ‘internal connections’ to the final destination!. All very satisfactory.