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You are here: Home / Ghana Health Team / 2019 Health Team / Side by Side

Side by Side

2019/11/12 By Dr. Jennifer Wilson

A small scandal broke out on the compound this morning when someone let it slip that the surgical team had air conditioners in their residence. I thought the rest of us staying at the beautiful Nim House took the news quite well, until one of the surgeons complained he was a little chilly when he woke up this morning.

The mobile team set off for our first village clinic at 7:00 am. This journey along the narrow dirt road was such a stark reminder of how difficult life must be for rural Ghanaians. We passed women carrying large buckets of water and batches of firewood on their heads, farmers toiling by hand in the hot sun, and children carrying swaddled babies on their backs. We also saw many signs of hope and development along this road as we passed new bridges, school yards full of children, community wells, community latrines and more and more tin roofs as opposed to thatched roofs. NEA’s handprint is everywhere.

A delegation of first time team members joined me to greet the Chief, Queen Mother and elders of the village, but we collectively decided to keep the ceremony brief as the crowd was so large. The NEA team left the compound at 4:00 am this morning and had the entire clinic set up and ready to go so that we could begin work immediately.

A clinic of this magnitude is only possible due to the amazing team of translators and operations volunteers. Our translators wear blue shirts and they are with us during every moment of the day. Our operations volunteers wear yellow shirts and they manage the crowds and stand at every door of every classroom and circulate throughout all areas of the clinic to help control and direct the flow of patients. Our sea of yellow, blue and white shirts worked side by side all day long as we cared for each patient, one at a time, even as the thermometer peaked at over 40 degrees.

One of our sickest patients today was a precious little three year old with severe malaria. Nurse Karen brought her directly to our nursing station from diagnostics where Jessica, Lauretta, and Val attended to her all afternoon. She made a miraculous recovery, munching on a snack as she left the clinic. The dentists were busy all day and had one case that was so difficult that it required all three of them to work together.

Back on the compound, the surgical team had a full day in theatres and were not slowed down by a small flood caused by one of the sterilizers. Rita, one of our Ghanaian nurses who is training with the team, proudly did her first solo assist with Dr. Magdi.

During dinner this evening, a man who was awaiting surgery on Thursday, developed a strangulation of his hernia. The team didn’t think twice about leaving their plates of food unfinished as every moment counts in this situation. Thankfully, the team was quickly able to sedate the man and successfully reduce the hernia. Our two students Josh and Elsa, together with Dr. Mensah, were able to witness this life-saving procedure. For those of you who are not aware, Dr. Mensah’s father and grandfather lost their lives at a young age due to this very condition, so this was a profound moment indeed.

Thanks to our supporters for their wonderful comments that are read to us by Kim at the end of every day. We laugh and cry, and feel so connected to home when we hear from you.

Team Buses
Registration
Diagnostic Station
Jacob manning the door.
Dr. Josh on laser.
Dr. Andy
Dr. Shmuel
Dental Station
Child with severe malaria.
Nurse Rita training as a scrub nurse.
The Surgical Team under their tree.

Dr. Jennifer Wilson, MD, CCFP(EM), FCFP, DIMPH

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Filed Under: 2019 Health Team, Ghana Health Team

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Annie Fieldhouse says

    2019/11/14 at 12:55 pm

    What an amazing team of human beings . The blogs are very humbling and always bring a tear to the eye sending love to my Goddaughter Bex whose birthday is today. love you. God Bless all of you x

  2. Teresa Heaney says

    2019/11/14 at 9:36 am

    What an amazing group of people you are !! I’m enjoying reading your daily blog and I’m just in awe of you all especially my lovely niece Becky Jones whose birthday it is today .Happy birthday Becky lots of love your very proud Aunty Teresa & Uncle Brian. Xxxxx
    keep safe all

  3. Sue Warner says

    2019/11/14 at 8:19 am

    So pleased to hear all the stories from Ghana. We are all made to feel so humble and just wish we could do more to help from this end. We all admire what you are doing to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Sending love and best wishes from all at Three Shires to Rob, Jo, Elsa Hicks and the team from Northampton. Freezing cold here, torrential rain with floods and gales….. Keep up the good work. Hope that Elsa is enjoying her first time in Ghana.

    Love Sue Warner XXx

  4. Sue Johnson says

    2019/11/14 at 4:22 am

    Thank you for the daily blogs Jennifer they always take me back to my 2 times with the amazing teams
    They were experiences I will never forget and it’s lovely to see familiar faces in the photos
    Special hello to to German surgical nurse Ange you are amazing and very dedicated
    So much has changed and the hospital build is incredible
    Onwards and upwards ??
    Wish I was there helping but at least I can keep up to date with the mission thanks to the blogs
    Stay safe everyone you are all amazing
    Love Sue Johnson

  5. Simon Hale says

    2019/11/14 at 3:40 am

    Another day, another set of miracles performed. The blog is such a fantastic tool for giving us an insight into the amazing work that you are all carrying out in Ghana and in such ‘basic’ surroundings. Big up Jen for her blog skills. When you read the individual stories like the 3 year old with severe malaria and how, thanks to the team, she made a miraculous recovery!!! What absolute legends you are. Cap doffed to Nurse Karen, Jessica, Lauretta, and Val. I’d mention YOU ALL for similar acts of selflessness but I’d be here all day.. I will mention one more person if I may though as it’s a very special day for her today as it’s her Birthday!!!! Happy Birthday to you Rebecca ‘Bex’ Jones. We are all so ridiculous proud of you. Look forward to celebrating with you when you get home. Big Love xxxx

  6. Liz Jones says

    2019/11/14 at 1:38 am

    So humbled by the daily blogs which we await with anticipation every day – thank u so much dr jenn – your way with words gives us all an incredible insight into the wonderful work u r all so selflessly doing out there. Please give Becky – our beautiful daughter – a hug from us all as 2day is her birthday. Miss u so much bex but so so proud of what u r doing. Hope u managing some ????? . God bless u all. X

  7. Caro-Claire Wiles says

    2019/11/13 at 7:12 pm

    Once again we have the privileged of feeling the closeness of being there with the team each day as Dr Jenn sends the daily updates of what everyone is doing and how each one is on the alert to quickly spring into action when emergencies come up.
    Such a blessing to have such competent individuals and also to have the assistance of those who live there .
    I am sure that each one of the team finds encouragement from the responses from home , especially when it is from their family members and they hear their names read out .
    We love you all and be sure that we too are praying for each and every one of you, even though we do not know all your individual names.
    The pictures are great too .
    Much love from the Wiles in Orillia and a special shout out and hug to Graham from “Mr.” Martin and “Mrs. Caro”.

  8. Leanne Lawson says

    2019/11/13 at 7:00 pm

    I love reading these blogs and seeing the pictures. I agree with Ashley Gayton when she says Jen’s blogs are so detailed and rich that it brings it all alive to the reader…so true!!! Kim Lawson you are greatly missed! Praying for you and this amazing team! (Hope that surgeon that woke up a little chilly doesn’t catch a cold!! L0L!!!)

  9. Judith Gooding says

    2019/11/13 at 5:35 pm

    The reports are very interesting to read each day, and what you have accomplished already is amazing. I will continue to pray that God will bless the work of your hands and keep each of you safe.

  10. Roger Pugsley says

    2019/11/13 at 3:15 pm

    Thank you as always Jenn for your wonderful daily messages. I’m sure I speak for all of your loved ones back home when I say we anxiously await each message as a way of staying connected to the great team doing remarkable work in Ghana. While we miss the Ghana team and look forward to your return home, know that we remain committed to supporting the heroic work you perform. Special shout out to my beautiful wife Linda who pours her heart and soul into this program throughout the year. Love you!

  11. Jodi says

    2019/11/13 at 3:09 pm

    Hello All,

    What a truly inspirational, hard working and selfless team you are. Your work and experiences are being passed on and praised back here in little old England at the Three Shires Hospital. We all love hearing your news via Jens beautiful blogs. Thank you for taking the time to share your work with us. We can not tell you how proud we are of you all. personally knowing how hard you are all working, supporting one another and giving such compassion by sharing your skills to change the lives of hundreds of Ghanaians, it is just mind blowing. Keep up the good work (the fresh peanut butter helps with this) keep each other motivated when needed and take in every moment of your life changing work.
    I miss being there with you all, we are all sending you the biggest of love, from Jodi and the Three Shires team. P.s A message for Mr Hicks! Where were you for your all day list today?? ;-)) xx

  12. Lindsay Cressey says

    2019/11/13 at 3:07 pm

    Hello Elsa Hicks , hope you re having an incredible time . We wish we could be there with you too. Love from the Cressey kids- Caitlin , Ben and Tom. Oh and hi Dad – Dave . Big hugs to you xx

  13. Margaret Hart says

    2019/11/13 at 12:47 pm

    Hello amazing team,

    So wonderful to read your blogs Jenn. I can picture everyone listening intently as you share the message that all of us back home eagerly await. Continue to take good care of each other, of your patients and know how much love and support is sent your way.
    Margaret

    #Ghana2017 Eye team

  14. Vilija Govedas says

    2019/11/13 at 10:58 am

    Good Day to all!

    I have been forwarding your blogs to Oak Ridges retirement home in Richmond Hill where Lori’s mom lives.

    Each day so far, Michelle at Reception has been printing the emails and printing each picture on a separate page for better viewing. She gives the daily blogs to Terese who very much enjoys reading the “daily news” and seeing all the wonderful and descriptive pictures.

    Terese tells me that the blogs make their way around the Residence as friends of hers (who have asked about Lori) very much enjoy reading them and viewing the pictures. I believe that Terese ensures she gets her “news” back again once her friends have had a read.

    Thanks so much for sharing your lives with us each day. It’s wonderful to see your experiences.

    P.S., it was -13C last night….

    Lori’s cousin, Vilija

  15. Wendy says

    2019/11/13 at 10:47 am

    Reading your blog is always an emotional journey Jennifer, and it makes us realise what we take for granted and the importance of the work that you are doing. You are all truly amazing and I am sending heaps of love and hugs from a chilly Warwickshire (I am sure the surgeons can relate to that!). Big shout out to Dan the man – love you xxx

    GO TEAM 2019!!

    Wendy and all the little or not so little Higgies xxx

  16. Jennifer Simpson says

    2019/11/13 at 10:43 am

    Thank you so much for keeping us informed of all the wonderful work that is happening. It certainly sparks some questions from my kids when I read it out to them which hopefully gives them a better understanding of the ways different cultures live and how lucky we are.
    Much love and hugs to everyone,
    The Simpson Family

  17. Tom and Julie Eustace says

    2019/11/13 at 10:18 am

    As I sat by our cozy fire this morning reading your blog, I was so very humbled. I looked around the comforts of our home, and a lump formed in my throat; we are so very fortunate. Our daily walk yesterday took us by a dental office, and we both remarked as to how large and well equipped it looked. Seeing your photo this morning of the dental team at work, was a stark reminder of how drastically different life is for so many around the world; we are so very fortunate.

    Your work and selfless dedication is life changing. Thank you. Hugs, to Leslie (she is my Wonderwoman).

  18. Tiara Folkes says

    2019/11/13 at 9:54 am

    I read this post out to my coworkers as we have a staff meeting today. When I looked up there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. The work you’re doing is incredible and the impact you’re having is incredible.

  19. Amanda Hawkins says

    2019/11/13 at 9:30 am

    I’m usually at work when I get your blogs and it’s great as it takes me somewhere else! Lol
    I would just like to thank I think her name is Charlotte for letting Dan use her phone to call home last night it was so good to speak to him and hear a little about everything he is doing with you all, haha I bet when he hears my messages read out he cringes a little but what can I say he may be nearly 30 but it’s my job to embarrass him! ?
    Anyway guys the boss has just walked in and he is a right slave driver so best get back to work.

    Love you Dan ? xx

  20. Sandra S says

    2019/11/13 at 9:30 am

    Hello All;
    I always end up with a little tear in my eye when I read the blog. Much appreciation for that hit of gratitude every day. Thank you Jen for writing it and the many pictures are an added bonus! As I was looking at the blue shirts, who get to witness, all day, the work you do, I’m sure they are inspired by the compassion they witness. And the ripple effect of that inspiration on the NEA community will be felt well into the future. So many layers of development going on. On another note I can’t end without sending a little touch of home to Carlye. Brandon left his backpack. Steve picking up today. The beat goes on :).

  21. Brittany Jones says

    2019/11/13 at 9:01 am

    We’re so filled with hope and with pride when we read these GHT updates! Sending love and hugs to Kim Lawson. Love you lots! – Brittany & everyone at LHI

  22. Joan says

    2019/11/13 at 8:58 am

    I too look forward to reading your blogs Jenn, the next best thing to bring there and working side by side.
    I’m so proud of my nursing team, to hear how each one of you are contributing your skills and your time helping the people I love so much.
    Looking forward to tomorrow’s blog. I love and miss you all.

  23. Agnes Lobbezoo says

    2019/11/13 at 8:50 am

    It moves me every day as I read your blog. The work you are doing and the sacrifices you make, even when leaving your dinner behind to serve and getting up so early! You all are truly our hands and feet. I am not sure if I want to tell you to enjoy the temperatures there as we have it pretty cold here. Thank you for the daily posts and the pictures. They speak volumes!

  24. Liam O’Neill says

    2019/11/13 at 8:25 am

    Hey Team – it sounds like you’ve had an action packed time so far! Laurs and I have loved reading your blogs and hearing about the fantastic things you are doing and how you are making such a difference already.

    Mum – we are all so so proud of you back home! We are missing you lots but can’t wait until we can hear all of your stories in a couple of weeks. You are a truly wonderful woman inside and out! Have you got stuck into your G&T fudge yet…?!

    Lots of love to you and the gang!!
    Liam and Laura xxxx

  25. Aly Fowlie says

    2019/11/13 at 8:17 am

    Love reading your blogs and seeing the photos every morning. Thank you Jen.
    It’s hard for us to imagine that heat as we sit here in our early winter weather. What wonderful work you are doing.
    Love to you Barb and Dan, thinking about you every day.
    Rob and Aly xx

  26. Margaret Weir says

    2019/11/13 at 8:06 am

    The pictures are wonderful, and I can feel a little like I have just visited you, and watched you in action!

  27. Alecia Bryan says

    2019/11/13 at 8:06 am

    Hello to you all! Especially Toni-Ann 🙂

    Reading these updates are the highlight of my day. Thank you Jennifer for taking the time out to write these out and the good laugh at the top about the air conditioner.

    I can’t wait for tomorrow’s stories.

    Love you Toni-Ann!

  28. Kaitlin says

    2019/11/13 at 8:05 am

    Every morning is truly a blessing to wake up and read these blogs. Thanks a million Jen.
    As I sit here in this minus 20 degree weather (embrace the heat) I am truly in awe as to what has already been done and what all of you are still going to accomplish.
    Great pic of the dental team. Special shout out to my superstar friend Neil =)

    Love Nurse Kaitlin
    #GHT2017

  29. Torey Smith says

    2019/11/13 at 7:48 am

    I love the blog post updates! Such a proud moment to be seeing my big brother sharing his expertise! I’m following every minute of your journey from here, Joshua, and I know mom and dad are following you, too. I love you dearly, and just remember to whip it!!

  30. Katie rivett says

    2019/11/13 at 7:38 am

    Hey again team xx
    You are all glowing you really are.
    I second what Ashley said in his comment it’s hard not being with you but he’s right.
    Reading these blogs every day, if I close my eyes I’m literally there with you.
    At least the steriliser only flooded this time instead of blowing up.
    Mind you plenty of time still to go haha!
    Love you all
    Katie xx

  31. Ashley gayton says

    2019/11/13 at 2:11 am

    Dear all, as always Jen you blogs are amazing and reading them is always a blessing. I hope everyone is having a good time and wish you all well. I love the photo of Charlotte, she looks like she is having a great time, I so looked forward to working with you again , however I’m happy to see your having a great time. Keep up the good work and I just want to say thank you Jen for the amazing blogs. It is hard not being with you all this year but and being part of the amazing work you are doing, however, Jen you blogs are so detailed and rich that it brings it all alive to the reader so I thank you dearly for the Effort and time you spend written and posting them m. God bless all of you. Your are true hero’s and the work you are accomplishing is truly awesome xx

  32. Ruth says

    2019/11/13 at 12:41 am

    A shout out to Dr. Andy ( and the whole health team) from Ruth and Nancy in Vietnam. We are glad you got to Ghana safely and look forward to reading the daily update of the joys and challenges of your work!

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