NEWS: Rwanda tour

The New Year kicked off with a whistle-stop tour of 4 hospitals in Rwanda for Managing Director Robert Neighbour.

Leaving the excesses of the UK festive season far behind, Robert travelled to the capital Kigali on 4^th January. First stop was Ruli District Hospital to install a new Glostavent anaesthesia machine that had been generously donated by the local Bideford Bridge Rotary Club.

Robert set up the Glostavent and provided training on maintenance to the hospital technicians who were eager to learn and asked considerable questions, despite some language difficulties. The next day Robert was able to oversee the use of the Glostavent by the anaesthetist in surgery, which went well and without problems.

The second destination was Kabgayi Eye Hospital to carry out equipment maintenance and training. As ever, limited resources and unreliable electricity supplies pose problems for the hospital staff, and it is impressive to see what a good they do in these difficult circumstances.

Next stop was the University Teaching Hospital in Kigali, which has 8 Glostavents. Again, Robert’s careful checking and maintenance of all the Glostavent machines, combined with technical training and instruction was well received by the hospital staff.

Fourth and final destination was Butaro Hospital in Northern Rwanda involved a long car journey, amidst beautiful scenery.  Two Glostavent machines at the hospital were thoroughly checked over and Robert was able to see one of them used in surgery.  He also provided training over 2 days to visiting and local hospital staff, who were all keen to understand the Glostavent.

Robert found the Rwandan people charming, friendly, motivated and keen to learn, which made the long and at times difficult trip well worthwhile.