Uganda - Kisiizi Hospital
I spent six weeks at Kisiizi. Having sent my CV to the Ugandan Protestant Medical Bureau, three hospitals contacted me and I sonn found myself sitting in the bus at Kampala, waiting to start the 7-8 hour journey to Kisiizi. It was wonderful to be able stay with a Ugandan family. At least once I even managed to eat the matoke! There were several areas where I found I could help:
Practical gynaecology
There had never been a gynaecologist there before. We were swamped with infertility problems. A number of unusual operations were necessary. Several vesico-vaginal fistulae (VVF) presented, and I was able to teach a method of tackling these. Sadly, there were some difficult VVFs beyond even my experience. Additionally I found myself helping in the arduous on-call rota. The work involved meeting patients with eclampsia and neglected labour, rare in the UK. I could have done other clinical work, but felt it was right to start doing things like orthopaedics at my age.
Teaching obstetrics and gynaecology
This was relevent so that a Ugandan doctor who had recerntly joined the unit could work independently, particularly for emergencies. I also demonstrated the use of obstetric ultrasound to general duty doctors, midwives and nurses.
Ministry
This included speaking in chapel: in morning prayers, the Sunday service and small groups. One should not impose oneself but simply be willing if asked.
India
I reviewed a project in Bombay oef which I am a trustee in the UK (the Thana Trust). It involved a four-week visit to evaluate a self-sustaining clinical service for the underpriviledged, A second visit to India is in prospect.
Nigeria - St Luke's Hospital, Anua, Uyo
I was invited by the consultants in Anua and partly sponsored by the British Council. I had spent a few weeks there two years before improving my surgical expertise in the repair- of VVF.
This time it was a three-week teaching visit. The work had four aspects:
- Regular theoretical and practical instruction in theuse of obstetric ultrasound.
- Systematic teaching of obstetrics and gynaecology through talks, seminars, instruction in exam technigue and mock exams.
- Inspection for the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology to report on the hospital's suitability for training for Membership.
- Christian contact with Nigerian doctors whom I had known previously, and with the local Graduates' fellowship.
Gibraltar
I did a locum in Gibraltar for a gynaecologist who with his wife also
ministers to people working with mission organisations. As he is the only gynaecologist
on the island he needs a pool of those willing to do locums. This is a paid
post and can help to subsidise the other work done on a voluntary basis.
Making contact
My contacts in Uganda and Gibraltar were made through the CMF. It is necessary
to finance travel, insurance and a contribution towards the cost of hospitality.
What can you take?
Ask the hospital contact if there is anything you can take with you. You
may go with a full case and return with in empty one, or even leave the case!
Suture material is nearly always welcome and is light to carry, but there are
unlimited possibilities.
Your spouse
We decided that unless my wife also has a role to play or knows the people
involved. it is better for me to go alone for short visits. It is unfair for
her to leave home and our local community where she is heavily involved, to
go where she will have nothing to do while I'm busy from morning till night.
We decided she would not go to Uganda or Nigeria, but she did come to India
where she knew some people. There she was able to speak to groups of women,
including church leaders' wives.
No hidden agendas
It is important not to have any hidden agendas. This is not an ego trip.
The visitor must adapt to the local situation and be a servant for Jesus' sake.
The end result should be encouragement both to the expatriate workers and to
the local staff.
More than likely you will come away strengthened in the faith and maotivated
to go again.
Gordon Mackay is retired and lives in Sunderland
