We hear many lovely comments from our patients on a daily basis, but I think Dr. Josh received the best one. After his laser procedure, one man looked at Dr. Josh and Johnathan and said, “I can see your face. You look really good”.
Sight was improved, restored or preserved for 24 glaucoma patients in their tiny clinic that is normally used to incubate ostrich eggs. At least the laser team has air conditioning. Their colleagues in the eye clinic are in a dark, damp peanut storage facility and when I walked in to pay a visit today, it felt like I was walking into a sauna. Dr. Pete’s shirt was so wet he needed to change it at 10:00 am. I grabbed some pictures and after about five minutes, I had to get out of there.
In this dark room, patients process through Dan and Barb’s station to check eye pressure and acuity, then they see the eye doctors who do a full eye exam and generate a prescription. Jane searches a massive data base for the exact prescription required and sends a volunteer to storage bins. Marion and Jane spend all year collecting, washing and measuring the strength of every pair of those glasses and entering them into the database. Finally, they stop at the eye pharmacy. A clinic just for reading glasses is also run in parallel to the full clinic.
Today all teams remained on the NEA compound and let me tell you, this place was humming. Patients started to camp out Sunday night to ensure their spot in the line. Taxis, busses, motorcycles were arriving all day long from places as far away as Accra. People were cooking and selling food, and the atmosphere was one of excitement. Huge tents and waiting rooms became jam-packed, and the NEA staff ran a master class in crowd management. We use up to eight different wrist bands to identify where patients are flowing to and from and the system ran smoothly in all areas. Except for the one moment. Someone in the waiting tent had the bright idea to pick up their chairs to attempt to form a big circle closer to triage after which hundreds thought they would do the same. Leslie’s voice boomed out over the radios “ Anarchy, Anarchy!”. NEA came to the rescue and peace was restored. And some ropes were put up.
Speaking of NEA, they truly have been the foundation of the success of this mission. During this fortnight (I’ve officially decided I am never saying “2 weeks” again!), most of NEAs development activities “go to sleep” as every staff member becomes a health team member. The kitchen team not only cooks for us, but they are also preparing food for the hundreds of volunteers and translators and surgical patients all week. There is a laundry team, cleaning team, driving team, security team and clinic set up team. The entire pastoral team is involved too and they help wherever help is needed. Every evening after a long hard day, I see them sitting together and praying — I mean really praying— for us, our families and our patients that were seen that day. This NEA staff just love us so much and take such amazing care of each and every one of us. We are so grateful!
Our physicians had a really fun day today because we were all in one room together with pharmacy and..wait for it…with air conditioning. Strategies were put in place to minimize noise and it was a very efficiently run clinic. One by one, we worked together to visit the sick, many of whom arrived Sunday night and camped out in line. One of the great things about all of us being on the compound is that it allows us to visit one another’s areas and to consult with one another. Consultation requests were constantly flowing between doctors, surgeons, eye doctors and dentists. Dental had its busiest day in the history of the team, caring for 60 patients. Our surgical theatres were full-on all day completing 37 surgeries. Dr. Hicks had a special honour of his daughter Elsa observing her first ever surgery — a very proud dad moment!
By 7:00 pm, we’re all back together in the dining hall to enjoy a meal together, hear the blog comments from home (we love them — especially Charlotte) and listen to team reports. One of the sweetest stories from today was shared by Graham. A very elderly woman over 90 came to triage. She didn’t have any major complaints, but she told Val, our triage nurse, that she waited for two days at last year’s clinic and was never seen. She wasn’t upset as she was happy we cared so many of her people and was happy to wait the year to see us. Usually, our triage nurses will deal with minor illnesses and will send well people on their way, but Val felt compassion for this sweet elderly woman and decided to make her a VIP. She spent the day in the clinic being seen by the physician, dental and eye clinic. At the very end of the day, Graham was on the driveway and the team bus started approaching. There was one lone patient sitting halfway back on the bus. This tiny lady was waving at him out the window. NEA was chauffeuring her home.
Dr. Jennifer Wilson, MD, CCFP(EM), FCFP, DIMPH
Jodi-Ann Stewart says
Thanks for these updates! I’m happy your all having productive days! It’s really beautiful to see the work your doing in action! It makes me happy that there are people in world like you all who are committed to bettering the lives of others!
P.S I hope your enjoying your last few days Toni!! I can’t wait to see you soon!!
Love Jodi,
Ruth Oppenheim says
I can just hear my sister, Leslie , calling out “ anarchy anarchy”!
That will have to enter family folklore.
We are all so very proud of her. She is quite the star here in Australia!
And I must say you are all stars to me as well. I am moved to tears every morning when I read the overnight missive. Bernard! What a story!
Your laser glaucoma clinic. Another standout that we in the western world take fir granted. What an amazing difference you make to so many lives.
Tookie (Leslie) , here is a big hug and many kisses from your little sister who loves you dearly.
Neil and Cathy Bacon says
Thank you for following your hearts, and sharing your compassion and gifting’s in such a beautiful way! You ROCK!!!
Darlene ( Mom) says
Hello everyone, great team work !!
Thank you Dr. Wilson for your daily blogs, Ochelle sends them to me because something went wrong with my confirmation. Thanks so much Ochelle. I see a lot of smiling faces, Alisha remember to take a picture with a little person holding an izzy doll. There were a few smiling faces here tonight decorating our tree. You might know who they were.
Miss you Alisha and Sherry
Caro-Claire Wiles says
Feeling overwhelmed with love and compassion for all the team and the amazing job that everyone is doing.
The pictures each day bring the whole report to life and they still fill me with tears and much emotion.
God bless you one and all and our prayers will continue that things will all come together as the end of this mission draws near.
Much love from the Wiles in Orillia
PAUL HURLBURT says
GOOD JOB EVERYONE ! Thank you for the great reports of the amazing work being done on Northern Ghana.
I need to make one significant correction for my significant other, that is only the Laser Room is air conditioned. I think it is worse being 6 feet from an air conditioned room and not having it yourself ! Especially for a 50 something year old female. She might be # 10 on her name badge but she is still # 1 to everyone here.
Andrea Baynton says
What wonderful photos and stories you have to tell. It is incredible to hear what you all do in one day. The little boy with the hernia who would have been seen in our ER’s immediately and we have be no idea what medical care they are used to. Leslie I can hear your voice calling for help. Love hearing the stories and photos. Andrea
Linda Smethurst says
Dear Team
Another fantastic day for you all, thank you for the amazing photos.
What an amazing job you are all doing.
May God continue to watch over you all & keep you safe.
Blessings
Linda xx
Christy Simpson says
Thanks so much for the daily updates, stories and pictures. Gives a real sense of what’s happening…and there’s definitely a lot going on!! Wonderful to hear how well everything works (even if with momentary anarchy moments) and how meaningful the care given and received is. All the best to each of you, and a big shout to my brother, John!! 🙂
Simon Hale says
Lovin’ the pictures today – really gives a sense of the well oiled machine you have going on out there. And those waiting rooms!!!!!! WOW. Incredible scenes..
And not a dry eye in the house yet again this evening.. I was just getting over Bernard and now It’s the old 90 year old lady.. It’s okay I’m hysterics now at picture 19 (without caption) of the group of Ghanaian children “flicking the ‘V’s” (two-fingered salute)
Well done to you all on another very successful day by all accounts.
Big love to my partner in crime, Rebecca ‘Bex’ Jones who I am missing very much today. xxxxx
Kate Inchley says
So lovely to see Elsa observing her Dad so proud of her, Jo and Rob . Such amazing things you are all achieving together . Your stories are so uplifting to see what can be done for so many people . Hope and pray the next few days will go well for you and you are able to achieve all you set out to do for these wonderful people, some who walk miles to see you .
God Bless
Kate xx
Sandra S says
Hello to you all. It is such a pleasure to read these reports. We, at home, are so in need of stories that feed our soul. I feel immense gratitude every day I read these posts. It is so great to see humanity at its best. Many thanks to all of you for your work. And thank you Jennifer for the daily reports at the end of your long day. And to our dearest Carlye – good for you. We love you.
Brittany Jones says
So many comments here, but just one more… Big shout-out to Kim Lawson! Love you! Proud of you! Can’t wait to see you Sunday! – Britt
Agnes Lobbezoo says
What wonderful stories. Nice picture of Josh with the infant, though Claudia’s comment was funny. I hope all these stories and the ones from the very beginning till now will be in a book one day! And I agree about the pictures, they speak volumes.
Williamson’s says
Greetings to our special friend Elsa and Dr Rob & Dr Jo!
What an amazing experience you are having…we can see the foundation stones of your medical career are being laid in Carpenter and can’t wait to hear all your tales back on the school run!
It looks like the reputation of the incredible team has spread phenomenally and it is a privilege to read of all the many lives you are touching and the legacy you are leaving.
Love and very best wishes from Lucy, Ant, Amelia & Harvey at home in Yardley Hastings xxxx
Peter Jensen says
What a wonderful report and the pictures really help…paint a picture.
If that’s as bad as anarchy gets…
Much love to you all,
Peter
Charlie Hicks says
Very well done to all the team for your work over the last week or so, especially to team Hicks, Rob Jo and Elsa. I’m very jealous of Elsa seeing Dad in action before me but I hear it was a special moment. I hope godfather Dave, Peter Cunningham and Anne Ziedler are all having a great time as well.
Keep it up, not long now.
Love from Charlie
Claudia Wilson says
Miss and love you guys, goodluck with your last few days!! Tell Josh he’s obviously not sweating enough since his hair still has all that volume…
Janice Austin says
We wait every day for the reports and and find them more and more wonderful. The number of people helped is beyond belief, The dedication and hard work of all the teams and support workers restores my faith in the basic goodness of the the human family.Those doing the back up care with food and health needs not to spesk of the translators are so unselfish and vital to the work of the medics. I am Dr Helen’s mum and feel so happy that she volunteered to join this wonderful team possible. Congratulations everyone. What I have learned is one of the great experiences of my life
Katie rivett says
Gorgeous gorgeous people.
Sorry should I say ‘my lovelies!’
I cannot believe your journey is almost at its end.
I remember this day so clearly from last year. It felt like we had come so far, but still had so far to go. And it definitely felt like we’d been there for months let alone a week and a few day’s!
But the end was so bittersweet & emotional & I feel that from home for all of you.
Thinking of you all so so much today and so proud of every single one of you.
Special shout out to dr rob and my buddy noodles. Theatre 3 misses you guys. (I say theatre 3 I actually mean me.)
All the other surgeons have brought me since you’ve both been gone is complete chaos so hurry up and come home please!
Miss you
Love Katie xxxxx
Tom and Julie says
What a great summary of a busy, busy day. Especially love the acknowledgement of all the team members who provide support behind the scenes. They are so crucial to your success; bravo to you all.
Loved seeing the pics of our dear Leslie. She was so very, very eager to once again join the team this year; she is so dedicated to her profession and the well being of others. No doubt you all share the same enthusiasm and determination.
For Leslie: We did the dump and run with Puddy yesterday. The lovely unsuspecting couple have now idea….hope she behaves.
Trevor, Ellie and Jess says
What a wonderful overview of a particularly busy day. Humbled and inspired by all that you do. And as for the elderly Lady being looked after by Graham, i can see this being in demand back in Uxbridge!
Anna Cressey says
Great work everyone, looks like hard graft but so rewarding. Special shout out to my brother Dr Dave Cressey- bravo big bro and all the team! From Dr Anna
Sara and Henry says
What an amazing job you are all doing. I hope you are all proud of what you are achieving. Elsa – what an amazing thing to do. We can’t wait to hear all your stories. Love to Rob and Jo too. The Austin xxxxxx,
Chad and Jo. says
You must all have a wonderful sense of achievement having brought so much relief to so many needy people , well done to you all .
Deirdre Westwood says
Love these daily updates, so proud of my brother, Dr Pete, hope he didn’t smell too much in his wet tee shirt! Well done Elsa on your first theatre experience, hope you didn’t faint in theatre, remember my first time in surgery…….. Love from all the Westies xxx
Sam Cunningham says
What amazing stories today, as everyday. Especially great to hear of the work that the eye team are doing & good to see a picture of Pete, we are really looking forward to having him home on Sunday. Also, lovely to see the picture of Elsa & Rob what an amazing experience for you both.
Christine Harding says
You did it again, Jenny. The amazing picture of Charlotte lovingly caring for the baby made me shed happy tears. No time off for Brenda, she is into everything when needed. What a great story about Val and Graham making this elderly lady feel special. This health team will not be forgotten by all the people you have treated this year. Thank you all for giving and caring for the most needy. How about writing a novel about this adventure?
Kathleen Fanstone says
Lost for words to describe how humbling it is reading all of your team updates along with the beautiful pictures that say way more.
I know about this from my friends Barb + Dan. What an incredible mission of team work from everyone to help so many. Our world is full of many amazing people.
While reading today’s update – have learned that glasses are helpful. Now I know what to do with some of my older prescription pairs …
Sending lots of strength + energy for the rest of your time. Be well.
Kathleen :)xo
Stacy says
Lots of tears in my eyes today as I read and looked at the pictures…..the waiting room picture put a lump in my throat…Josh with the precious little one, Graham helping a lady walking….all the teams working so hard to change lives….Wow! Praying for you all everyday.
Erika says
I am so incredibly proud of the work you all do, especially my brother Dr. Josh. I am always so excited to see a picture of his face and feel joy when seeing his face like his paitent did; well most of the time anyway! After losing both our parents so quickly and so close together to cancer, this last year and a half has been a difficult one for me and my siblings. But, to see Joshua helping so many people and providing care to those who otherwise wouldn’t have it, warms my heart. Our parents were lucky to have such wonderful care and support during their last days and I am so grateful that my brother and the rest of you are providing much needed medical care, support and hope to those who need it most. Thank you for all you do, you’ve all inspired me to give back to my community and support those in need. Good luck with the home stretch, we’re cheering you on from Canada!
Linda Dove says
Hugs to our Cheryl! Stay well – you’ll all be tired but lit up by the good you’re doing. Love in action.
xxx Linda and Gary
Colleen Landry says
The picture of the “Waiting Room” is unbelievable! What a sight to see! So inspired and proud of you all, but I am especially proud of my Mom, Leslie, for all the hard work she does and the amazing role model that she is for younger nurses.
Can’t wait to hear the stories when she comes home.
xo
Tiara Folkes says
I also cannot wait to see Dr. Josh’s face on Sunday.
This post had tears steaming down my face as I read about the elderly woman receiving VIP care. The last two week I have spent a lot of time in the hospital and as I spend time there I think about the impact you’re having. This has encouraged me to reach out to reach out to people around me. Two days ago as I waited to be seen for a follow up I say by an elderly lady her and I chatted about her life and how she came to Canada as a refugee but left her family behind. As I left the hospital I saw her waiting for the bus and offered her a ride home. I can’t help but think I’ve made a friend for life.
Your work makes my heart swell, thank you Dr. Wilson for the daily updates they are much appreciated.
Jennifer Harper says
Another busy and productive day.
These updates are so well written that we feel we’re with you!
Love to my sister Martha
Jennifer, Christopher & Spyro
P.S. Home is not as “interesting “ as yesterday:)