NEWS: A Month of Contrasts

Publication date: 11 Dec 2008

"It was, I have to say, a very long trip!" said Richard Tully, just arrived back from a month away in Niger, Uganda and Kenya. "The logistics were amongst some of the most interesting I've done yet and the contrasts were stark."

Richard’s first port of call was for the Worldwide Fistula Fund’s new model Fistula Surgery and Training Centre, adjacent to the Centre de Sante et de Leprologie (CSL) at Danja. There are an estimated 100,000 women and girls suffering from obstetric fistula in Niger and the WWFF purchased a Glostavent® Anaesthesia System for use in their new centre. With it’s suitability for difficult environments where power and oxygen supplies are not reliable and cost effectiveness is paramount, the Glostavent® will enable the WWFF’s anaesthetists to both save and transform lives.

 

 

"It's the first time the Glostavent® has ever been pulled on the back of an ox cart but it handled it well!" said Richard, who assisted the WWFF on other hospital matters as well as setting up and training on the Glostavent®.

From Niger Richard flew straight to Uganda to participate in the Nuffield Department of Anaethesia's five day course on Anaesthesia for Developing Countries. This is always very well attended and I am proud to play a part in training and lecturing those who will be working in Africa, both present and future. "It's hard work and very intense but we have a lot of fun doing it," said Richard, who took part in 2007 also. "Andrew and Sarah Hodges very kindly put me up and it was good to be able to put my feet on terra firma for a bit."

 

Richard remained in Uganda for a further week after the Kampala course, travelling up to Lacor, Gulu with Ray Towey. "I was a little surprised to be informed that I am the first ever British engineer to visit Gulu but we do aim to help those who work in even the most inaccessible places if possible. Their feedback is often the most valuable and it's very mutually beneficial."

Richard spent his time servicing the Glostavents® there and training others on how to look after it. "I really do believe that the service we offer is invaluable. Sadly it is also extremely rare," said Richard.

 

Kenya was Richard's next stop to set up and train on two Glostavents® purchased for Nyabondo, South Nyanza. "I would very much like to thank Dr Hezron of OGRA," said Richard. "The staff at the St Joseph's Mission Hospital were enthusiastic and positive about the arrival of the Glostavent®.

"All in all," said Richard "this has a been a very long but extremely enjoyable trip. We believe there is no substitute for getting out onto the ground and seeing what those who work at the cliff face actually want. Much as I love working on developing the Glostavent®, it is watching it being used which gives me the most pleasure."