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Smashed It!

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Our day in the village started with wonderfully comfortable temperatures of 27-28 degrees and we arrived to a large but orderly crowd. The logistics team were in control and even reorganized the location of the waiting room to reduce noise outside the physician consulting area.

Our nursing team had an extremely busy day in all the stations from triage to weights and temps to diagnostics to nursing station. Jennifer M. gave the nursing report at dinner describing how Leslie just kept pulling sick babies out of the crowd, straight to Joan’s IV station and into a corner which functioned as a little paediatric ICU. Anne was extremely busy with the many kids who needed ORS (oral rehydration solution). We are thankful to report that all of these precious little ones made excellent recoveries.

Leslie pulling the sickest babies from the crowd.

Our physicians provided care to about 900 patients over these past two days in Asantekwaa and several hundred more were treated in the pain clinic. Even though we were all set up in one big room, we didn’t see much of one another as every one of us were glued to our seats and focused on our task. Facing a crowd like this can be overwhelming and paralyzing, but the approach of the entire team is to give the best care we can to the person in front of us irrespective of how many people are waiting to be seen.

Asantekwaa Crowd

Dr. Dan was the mobile surgeon today. By 11:00, his hernia line-up was finished. He thought he would take some well-deserved leisure time to enjoy some jazz music but as the earbuds went in, Dr. Carlye had other ideas. Before Dan knew it, she had him set up at the other end of her consulting table and he dove in to help us with the medical patients. After a quick refresher on how to use a stethoscope and how to turn on an otoscope, Dan re-entered the world of being a medical doctor. At supper, he gave a brief report on his experience that began with, “I smashed it!”  Smashed it he did as he made some exciting diagnoses for a surgeon to make such as scabies and tinea capitus. Dr. Carlye gave him an enthusiastic thumbs up at the other end of the table for these excellent bread and butter diagnoses.

Dr. Dan reorienting himself to a stethoscope.

Speaking of smashed it, we do enjoy learning and trying out British phrases and vocabulary that we do not use in Canada. Dr. Magdi asked Jessica if she would like to join him in theatre and she was surprised Carpenter had a movie theatre. Despite all efforts we cannot pronounce “whilst.” Katie is one of my favourite team members because she always greets me with, “Hello, my lovely.” After a few days, I realized that she uses that phrase when talking to everyone else on the team, but nonetheless it always makes me feel so special. I’m hoping my husband might consider adopting this greeting moving forward.

Our dental station saw 46 patients today, 45 of whom were people. One of them was a scorpion. Together with the pharmacists, who were in the adjacent classroom, the beast met his demise with Sherry’s box cutter. Linda quickly made a coffin out of a pack of Zinc tablets which we use to treat kids with diarrhea. He is now in our residence freezer becoming “more dead” prior to Francois claiming him.

Mr. Scorpion visits the dentist.

Our eye team saw over 200 patients in the two days in this village. They have their system down pat and miraculously are not running out of medication or eyeglasses. Martin and Marion were busy with 24 laser procedures today (according to Dr. Martin’s limerick report). These patients all leave with a laminated card explaining the details of their procedure in case they need follow up after we leave. Many of last year’s patients are constantly flowing through the eye clinic for reassessments and Dr. Mai, Dr. Josh and Dr. Pete are reporting great results of one year post laser surgery on these patients.

Our surgical program recorded 35 cases, 6 spinals and another fire. Ashley is down to one sterilizer but it has not dampened his energy or sense of humour. Special mention goes out today to our recovery team of Sue and Becky. They are responsible for the care of patients after their surgery. Becky is on the evening shift, administering medications and checking all the patients who stay over after their surgery. Sue, who I heard referred to as Mary Poppins of the program, takes the early shift and makes rounds on all the patients prior to breakfast to prepare them for discharge. These two kindhearted nurses have such long hours.

Believe it or not, our entire team (except Becky who was getting the post-op patients settled) were at the dinner table by 6:30 pm. Dr. Mensah gave an inspiring address to our group that I hope to say more about in the future. Apparently, Leslie was inquiring about NEA’s cashew and cocoa program and so David thought he would do a little show-and-tell session. He brought fruit from a cocoa tree and a cashew tree and explained them to us. NEA currently has 70 acres of cashews.

Show and tell with Dr. Mensah.

The quote that landed on the workstations of the 60 of us and all our volunteers at 3:00 pm really does reflect this day:

Each new day is a new beginning: To learn more about ourselves. To care more about others. To laugh more than we did. To accomplish more than we thought we could. And to be more than we were before. (Author Unknown)

This post is one in a series of Ghana Health Team 2018 Updates. You can subscribe to receive these updates by email.

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Comments

  1. The stories are awesome and the work you are all doing is amazing. Thank you
    Say Hi to the lovely Joan M
    The Sask. Clan

  2. Way to go Took, ( Leslie to you all on the team) , my darling sister!
    You have always had the gift of knowing where to be and what to do in the most difficult of circumstances.
    Sending tons of love to you and everyone else doing such great work on all our behalf.
    Roots (Ruthie)

  3. Hi Toni,

    Another great day! The work the team does is so impressive. Seeing those sick babies get help was heart warming.

    Love you TT,

    See you soon.

    Mom.

  4. Hello to Carlye. I am listening to Madelyn play the flute – I use the word ‘play’ lightly. We read the post each day together. Madelyn says you are cool… and Timmy says you are kind. All true. All true of all of you. And fantastic role models. And you will definitely be cool when you get home. Winter is upon us. And the Christmas lights are popping up everywhere. Looking forward to seeing you all soon. Lots of love.

  5. It is so great to see my mom nurse Leslie doing what she does so well. She is in her element and undoubtedly loving every minute. I continue to be so impressed with her care, compassion and dedication to her profession. Keep up the great work everyone! It is incredibly meaningful to all. Hi to Helen, Barb, Dan and Sue. Love Sess xo

  6. Wow! Do much help and good will – enjoy the warmer climate – weather lady days -14 in Toronto tonight.

    Bob and Colleen

  7. Have loved reading these blogs and seeing the photos. Im so impressed with all of your hard work with so little equipment and make shift consulting rooms. On count down till I get my ironer back on Sunday…tell Neil I’ve managed to leave plenty of shirts for him ? Me and the boys send our love
    Christine, Niall and Finlay xx
    PS The exploded steriliser looked familiar ?

  8. Bob and I are enjoying your daily blog so much. Thank you for taking the time and energy to feed our imaginations at home!
    There are two nurses over there from Milton who are very special to us….Sue and Leslie. Feeling so proud of you both. What a wonderful team of people you are working with. Stay well.
    xx Mary

  9. A message to the Home Team”lwiorooo numonoma ni Bichali. Yade jaamee vaa ke a kponge hoola no kerere. Korowii shira iyaa kohona itoma no bi”-“Greetings to the Host Team. Thank you for all your hospitality and care for the visiting team. Wishing you all God’s blessings for your work”
    We hope we have the right local language! It is wonderful to have Dr Jennifer’s daily colourful descriptions so that we in England are able to learn too. Thank you so much. (Love to Dr David from his Ghanaian family in Cambridge and Mum)

  10. These daily blogs are so humbling, the work your all doing is amazing! Can’t wait to have you home now though Pete,! Lots of love from Sam, Zach & Grace!
    P.S The palace game is 6th December & it will be absolutely freezing so make the most of the heat xxx

  11. Hi mom and Jess! I love the blogs and hearing all of the amazing stories! I am so glad the kids received the Monopoly game and that they are loving it! I hope you are having an amazing last week and can’t wait to see you Sunday!

  12. You’re doing a remarkable job, Team. We’re so grateful for each one of you & for the work you’re doing.
    Jenn, we really enjoy reading your update & love to see the pictures. Thank you.
    Hi to Sherry, Marion & Kate.
    We pray God will continue to give each of you the strength & direction you need as you work through your last days there.

  13. You’re doing a remarkable job, Team. We’re so grateful for each one of you & for the work you’re doing.
    Jenn, we really enjoy reading your update & love to see the pictures. Thank you.
    Hi to Sherry, Marion & Kate.
    We pray God will continue to give each of you the strength & direction you need as you work through your last days there.

    Murray & Karin Stovell

  14. Message to the host team “lwioroo numonoma ni Bichali. yade jaamee yaa ke a kponge hoola no kerere. Korowii shira iyaa kohona itoma no bi”. We hope this is the right dialect to say”Greetings to the host team. Thank you for all your hospitality and care of the visiting Ghana Health Team. Wishing you God’s blessing in your work”! It’s wonderful here at home to have Dr Jennifer’s colourful bulletins so that we can join in the learning process.Thank you all! (Love to Dr David from your Ghanaian family here too)

  15. Hi Dad its Peter, I hope you are having an amazing time. I love you so much. See you soon

  16. Great job again team! As always, the stories are amazing. I love how you are able to find fun in the midst of crushing line-ups and sweltering heat!
    Jenn, I wasn’t sure if you meant you wanted me to call you Lovely or everyone like Katie does. I’ve assumed the latter so have been working it today. I find the men are slightly more receptive to it than the women but I will keep trying!
    Much love to all,
    Graham

  17. If Dan is Smashie does that make Simon Nicey?… bit of an in joke but one the boys will like…

    You are all amazing!!

    Love from Wendy

  18. Hi mother,
    I passed my driving test today with only 6 minors, don’t think he saw the amber/red light I went through but oh well. Please could you get people to tell their loved ones to get off the roads. Save lots of people, I love and miss you and I will see you on Sunday
    Much love
    Ella xxxxxxx

  19. Another day of miracles by the ‘dream team’. The number of your patients is mind blowing! Each day surpasses the last one.

    A big applause to all the support staff and volunteers who quietly go about the business of making it possible for you to get out there and make so many lives better and very often saving them too. Also to all your nearest and dearest who hold the fort at home enabling you to do your incredible work.

    Special mention to (smashing it!) Dr Dan – is there any end to your talents?

    — By the way we had snow today – not quite Canadian snow mind!!!! ?

  20. Another day of miracles by the ‘dream team’. The number of your patients is mind blowing! Each day surpasses the last one.

    A big applause to all the support staff and volunteers who quietly go about the business of making it possible for you to get out there and make so many lives better and very often saving them too. Also to all your nearest and dearest who hold the fort at home enabling you to do your incredible work.

    Special mention to (smashing it!) Dr Dan – is there any end to your talents?

    — By the way we had snow today – not quite Canadian snow mind!!!! ?

  21. You guys are all smashing it! You all sound like one very well oiled machine operating out there (even with the fires!). Well done everyone! I bet dad really enjoyed being a doctor again. Don’t worry, he will get his jazz time in when he’s back home 😉 Miss you! <3

    Lots of love, Doug

  22. It’s great to hear these updates and glad your unexpected dental patient is no longer. And I’m glad everything is going well 🙂

  23. Hello everyone!! I have absolutely loved reading the blogs. As per usual you are all doing such an incredible job!! A special hello to the surgical team and my mumma Sue! I very much under estimated how much I would miss you all! I even went out at the weekend and bought a yam! ….I have no idea what to do with it! Sending you all soooo much love, Melissa frost (surgical recovery nurse 2017) xxxxxxxx

  24. Glad you found a bigger desk for Dr Dan this year -last years tiny school desk had me laughing all day !
    Hope you have energy and strength for the last 2 days in Carpenter.
    Smash it ….
    PS snowing in West Sussex but not Northampton.

  25. Sounds amazing you guys are all killing it .We have a beautiful winter day here in Canada windy whiteouts and very refreshing it’s all good..all the best hope you have a great journey home..big hugs to Val..!

  26. Becky missed the dinner? We’ll have to make up for that when she gets back home to Paris (Ontario).

  27. Great update!! I wouldn’t get your hopes up with the greeting from dad – maybe start smaller. Can’t wait to see you guys soon!

  28. My mom does have a special knack for finding and treating the extra sick kiddies. Job job Mom, you’re pretty f—ing impresive. Sorry for the f bomb everyone. Sometimes it must be said to really demonstrate a point.

  29. You out-do yourselves every day; every year. Dedication, perserverance, compassion, the list goes on and on. “Thank you” is such an understatement.

    6 sleeps and seven wakies until our girl Leslie returns to the fold. We’ll have “sssreee” wets waiting….

  30. Well done everyone. Another excellent report which reminds me of David’s beautiful words last year “one by one, with tender hearts and healing hands”. Thinking of you all as you work tirelessly during these last few days. Glad Francois got another collectors item! Big hugs sent to Sue:)
    Margaret

  31. Well done all of you ! Hundreds helped by your hard work. Great photos but I guess my sister Anne is hiding from the camera.
    Love to all Christine x

  32. Can’t wait to see the “Uxtra-special “ souvenir that Dr Bessay will likely be displaying in the QDC office. Super fun!

  33. Every day, this report is inspiring.
    Like it says in Psalm 37, “Your goodness will shine like the sun.”
    God bless you all.

  34. I was trying to read and add up all the people who have been seen by each of the groups but I lack in math skills, all I can say is amazing work. The impact you are all making will be felt in years to come, these people will never forget this opportunity.

    Miss you.

  36. I have been remiss in my comments as I was busy but this doesn’t seem to stop with the daily reports. I am in awe of your energy each day and the work you are all completing. The number of patients is incredible and you get to treat everyone by the end of the day. Leslie it is so good to see your photo and the good you are doing. So much to catch up on next year at our reunion. Your daily emails of your days are so inspiring. Well done every one. Good on you.

  37. Glad to see my good friend Leslie is putting her talents to good use. They are so lucky to have you as well as the rest of the team .
    Keep up the good work . Know that you are all making a difference in so many lives.
    Such dedication !
    Hugs , Karen

  38. Amazing work being done once again this year! Look forward to your updates each morning. Martha/Mom – Josephine officially has ‘Ghana’ in her vocabulary now and will be so excited for Grandma to come home and share more stories with her.

    Big hug to Mom/Grandma/Martha,
    Christine, Mike, Jojo and Marcus the goalie

  40. Lovey, you continue to amaze me. I know you are where you need to be. Being able to separate the sickest person from such a mass of humanity, is a rare talent. I am forever awed by you, and your incredible nursing skills.

  42. So enjoying reading your blog, Jenn. Also enjoying the thoughts of 28 degrees as I listen to the wind whipping around this morning at -3 and falling! Blessings on you and the team as you serve!

  43. Congratulations to you all for such hard work and dedication year after year.
    Special shoutout to the nursing team =)

  44. Very smashing!
    Love these updates.
    Feel that we’re with you.
    Hi to my Martha!
    Love
    Jennifer

  45. It’s amazing to hear about the amount of patients you’re able to see and the impact you’re having. Dad – you’re smashing it mate! Can’t wait to see you. Love from Lydia xx

  46. You guys are all awesome, so touched by the incredible work you are doing and the long hours you are putting in each day! Love again from the Westwood’s in Nottingham

  47. WELL DONE TO YOU ALL. I BET EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU HAVE MADE A MASSIVE DIFFERENCE TO THESE LOVELY PEOPLE.

    CANNOT WAIT TO GET YOU BACK , KATIE RIVETT, MISS YOU LOADS BUT KNOW YOU ARE MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE.

    KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK EVERYBODY

    XXXXX

  48. Wow!!
    Another day with so many things to deal with and as always everyone steps up to the plate and fulfills their job and moves on next to wherever they are needed.
    Praying that God continues to give you all the strength and wisdom you need for these last few clinic days and the preps for home.
    You have already accomplished so much and I am sure those debriefing times together leave you all, full of amazement and thanksgiving for His continuing Presence guiding you Much love and many hugs from the Wiles in Orillia.

  49. What a productive day! I can sense the busyness and successes through all your words. My sister managed to get herself in not one but two pictures. Way to go Took! Special hi to Helen from the Dempster/Cowling gang.