I’m finding it difficult to put into words how deeply meaningful today was — our first day of work at the Leyaata Hospital.
The morning began with devotions under the gazebo with the Leyaata Hospital and NEA staff. David reflected on the moment he saw our feet stepping off the bus one by one. It reminded him of a passage in the Bible from Isaiah 52:7 that speaks about those whose feet bring good news — news of peace and good tidings to the sick.
After breakfast in the bright hospital cafeteria, we were each presented with crisp, white hospital lab coats adorned with the blue and red Leyaata Hospital logo. Our partners wanted us to look and feel like part of their team. We wore those coats with great pride and great sweat.
And then, off we went to our various departments, partnering with our colleagues in a day in the life of caring for patients at the Leyaata Hospital. It was amazing for me to watch my colleagues so wholeheartedly come alongside the staff to encourage them, support them, and cheer them on in this monumental task of opening a hospital. As I watched everyone working today, I couldn’t help but reflect on the many years we spent together providing short-term medical and surgical care in this region. Together, we dreamed of the day when sustainable health care would arrive — and that vision is now becoming a reality.
Dr. Anne, Ernestina, and I conducted the Helping Babies Breathe training course for the first cohort of hospital midwives, who impressed us with their knowledge, skill, and enthusiasm. They recognize that this program will save lives and they fully embraced it. They seemed to really enjoy the KitKat chocolate bars that I brought as afternoon treats for them. Unfortunately, they were liquid because of the heat – not sure what I was thinking there!
At dinner, we pushed the cafeteria tables together so we could share our delicious meal along with stories of the day with our teammates and with Abraham (the Leyaata Hospital Administrator), Dr. Ben (the Medical Director), and Isaac (Leyaata Hospital’s “Minister of Finance”). We spoke of the highlights of our day as well as some of the challenges that we were co-solving with our colleagues. The biggest theme was by far, the exceptional staff at this hospital. Compassionate, committed, hardworking, creative and determined to make Leyaata Hospital a centre of excellence – this is our strong impression of this Leyaata Hospital team after just one day.
And more good news — a massive and welcome rainstorm rolled in this evening, and for the first time today, there is no sweat on my brow.
MD CCFP (EM) DIM&PH FCFP
Director of International Partnerships Canadian Consultant for Family & Emergency Medicine
Leyaata Hospital, Carpenter, Ghana
Christine Harding says
Thank you, Jenny, for the beautiful photos that show us the dedicated volunteers willing to serve and teach in Carpenter. Fourteen of you have joined the Leyaata team to make this another productive visit. Tell Sherry we miss her at the store.
Christine Harding says
Thank you, Jenny, for the beautiful photos that show us the dedicated volunteers willing to serve and teach in Carpenter. Fourteen of you have joined the Leyaata team to make this another productive visit. Tell Sherry we miss her at the store.
Josh Smith says
How wonderful to see you all in what is quickly becoming a familiar space. Savour every moment working with our Ghanaian colleagues, both teaching and learning.
P.S. – Thank goodness the white coats are cut long—extra warmth!
Josh Smith says
How great to see you all back in what is quickly becoming a familiar space. I was able to map each room in my mind as I saw each picture. Savour each day you spend working with our Ghanaian colleagues.
P.S. – I’m impressed by the length of the lab coats, which surely provides extra warmth!
Kathy Bayless says
No wonder words are hard to come by, yet your updates are bursting with joy, marvel, gratitude, and purpose. “Sing your praise to the Lord, come on everybody, stand up and sing one more Hallelujah!”.
Kate Inchley says
Another great update from Dr Jennifer Wilson , so much hard work , love, and compassion , in all you are doing. Wonderful to see the hospital in action.
Love and blessings to everyone especially Dr Jo .
Rob Hicks says
A day of huge significance as you all worked together.
The happiness is evident on all your faces.
Congratulations to you all.
I have no doubt that Dr Ben and his team are teaching you all so much.
Love to you all and of course to Dr Jojo x
Jane Smith says
You are all looking so wonderful, sending my love to you all, with a little extra going to my room buddies, Dr Jo, Dr Anne and Nurse Anne!
Graham Wilson says
It is amazing to see this beautiful hospital in action! Those crisp white jackets look sweet. Great work everyone!