June 17th, 2018 by pamelaparker

My time in Kiwoko is finished, much too quickly. I have posted some photos to give you the feeling of day-to-day work. You may laugh when you think of scrub sinks with bars of soap held up by bottle caps.

Soap is attached to the sink by a soda bottle cap embedded in the bar of soap

But apparently studies showed there was less microbial growth than in bottles of liquid soap that we have in the ORs here at home.  The white Wellie boots were a bit overwhelming the first time I wore them, especially if I had on a pair that was 2 sizes too big. But when blood is splashing out from a surgery, they are fantastic at protecting your feet. What I could not capture, because it is not something you can get from a photo, is the spirit of the people with whom I worked. People were so generous with their time and suggestions. They are aware how visitors from affluent countries will have difficulty with the limited resources at Kiwoko. And yet, with what they have, they are doing amazing work, saving more lives than they lose. The NICU houses babies from 28 weeks gestation on. While they may not have the flashiest techno-equipment, they are making a difference for the premies and the babies who might otherwise not survive a difficult birth. Trainees just out of medical school perform cesareans at night, while covering multiple other units including Paeds, Men’s and Women’s ward, Labour and Delivery and NICU. Each day in morning report I would marvel at how much they did overnight, and how I, a seasoned physician, could not have done so well. Their leaders and advisors at the hospital constantly strive to not just get the job done, but to continually improve the processes along the way.

I am sorry that my time is over. But I will never forget my glimpse into the culture and practices at Kiwoko. I wish them well. And perhaps we shall meet again.