Our second-to-last day at Leyaata began with a short walk down the path behind the devotional gazebo for a tour of the oxygen plant. Leyaata is now producing its own medical oxygen for the hospital and selling it across Ghana. Many of you will remember how countries around the world ran out of oxygen during the COVID-19 pandemic. That will never happen here. I hope you enjoy the video of Leyaata’s engineer explaining the whole process — it is truly remarkable to see.
From there, the day unfolded into a full mix of teaching and clinical service, with two moments standing out for me in particular.
One was watching Dr. Sue and Dr. Obed Avoka co-lead a hospital-wide session on mental health awareness for health professionals. The room was packed, shoulder to shoulder, with staff eager to learn. The questions were honest and thoughtful — the beginning of a long journey to reduce stigma, support one another, and care for patients with mental illness.
The second highlight was a milestone moment: Leyaata’s first oral surgery performed under anaesthetic. Dr. Neil removed seven painfully decayed baby teeth from a little boy — a procedure that required a general anaesthetic to keep him comfortable. When our team nurse Brooklyn isn’t working in the ER back home, she serves as a dental nurse in an oral surgeon’s office, so she stepped right into her element to assist Dr. Neil. Several Leyaata physicians dropped in to witness this “first,” and I know Dr. Kyle Chin, who leads our dental program, will be thrilled.
The day also delivered some wonderfully memorable moments.
At one point, David Mensah strolled up to me and began speaking in Mo without realizing it. We both laughed when he caught himself, but it was a moment I treasured. At dinner, Jannine was quietly collecting everyone’s chicken bones for Friday’s intraosseous workshop (yes, the one where you drill into bone marrow to save a life). Nothing says “medical mission” like someone happily pocketing bones after supper.Later in the evening, Dr. David Adowia approached me completely straight-faced and said, “We have the goat.” Tomorrow we’ll be teaching chest tube insertion, and at home we usually order a rack of ribs from the butcher for practice. I must have processed a little too quickly that this goat had given its life in the name of medical education, because Dr. David immediately reassured me that the goat was simply butchered for food and that many families were enjoying goat meat that night — a much happier ending.
When we returned to the gazebo, Esther was waiting with her sewing machine and all the dresses and shirts she had made for our team. She did alterations on the spot, and I cannot wait to see everyone in their beautiful outfits at Thursday night’s celebration.
I’m running out of time to share everything, so I’ll let the photos fill in the rest of the story. And yes — I do have a fantastic video of Dr. Neil removing that tooth, but I’m not entirely sure you’re ready for it just yet.
Oh — and in case you were wondering — Josh and I remain undefeated in Aggravation.
More tomorrow as we head into our final day at Leyaata and begin our journey home.
High school students in line for the eye clinic (photo posted with permission).
Dr. David Adowia watching Dr. Neil and Brooklyn performing Leyaata’s first oral surgery case.
This is a baby tooth.
Oral surgery and anesthesia team.
Dr. David invited Dr. Tiffany to observe a hernia repair.
Anesthesia gas.
With Dr. Mercy, Senior Medical Officer
Leyaata’s Dr. McAnthony
Ella is Leyaata’s dental surgery technician.
Fried plantain
Mental health session for all hospital staff.
Joshua is presently studying radiography at Cape Coast University and he volunteered in the eye clinic all week.
Howdy!
Esther the seamstress.
Alternations were done under the gazebo.
Note size of fly.
DR. JENNIFER WILSON
MD, CCFP (EM), FCFP, DIM&PH, MPH (FCM) CSGH
Director of International Partnerships Canadian Consultant for Family & Emergency Medicine
Leyaata Hospital, Carpenter, Ghana
DISCLAIMER: This content is intended as updates shared to Ghana Health Partners’ Team Updates subscribers only and should not be shared with anyone.
Graham Wilson says
Amazing photos and update, such great teamwork! Glad to hear that you and Josh are cleaning up with the games J! Enjoy your-wrap up day tomorrow and the final dinner, I can’t wait to see you an a few days.
No news from home, we’re all well.
Love,
G
Barb & Dan Brazier says
What a wonderul Mission to share with you through Dr Jenn’s fantastic blogs. Even though you are so tired at the end of the day you always manage to send out the most interesting and informative blogs with fantastic real time snap shots of the day.
Oh …..and then kick some butt with Josh in the gazebo. Always time for more of that !
Thank you Dr Jenn
Safe trip home to everyone on this amazing team.
Barb
Christine Harding says
This group has done so much these few days. Congratulations to each one of you. Of course, there is always more to be done, but the next mission is not too far away.
Rob Hicks says
It is so wonderful to hear of the success of this November mission.
Very well done to everyone involved. We look forward to picking up the baton for the next visit in February.
Greetings to all the Leyaata team and I can’t wait to continue the work of this extraordinary partnership.
Safe travels home to you all
Xx
Leslie says
Way to go Janine !
you can now add another unique skill to your resume!