Progress, Step by Step

Progress-Step By Step-

So many encouraging things happening on many fronts. Louise, Lynn and Perpetua are collaborating on an advisory document to the minister of health on pain management.

Olive is a proud anesthesia nurse standing in front of a stocked drug box, for which she has the key and is responsible for replenishing it every morning. The box is divided into sections for resuscitation, local anesthetics etc. This is a huge improvement compared with the past where people were scurrying around looking for supplies, with no thought as to what would be needed for the day.

This coming Wednesday there is a meeting to establish standards for the operating room. Based on an excellent international guideline we will look at what standards can be realistically set, and what needs to be achieved. This is huge progress compared to my last visit where there was no consideration of standards at all. There is a lot of discussion re establishing the surgical safety check list and Bona is working on this. The Ors have finally received infusion pumps, so that the management of pediatric cases will be much improved.

Justin got an ovation from the nursing anesthesiologists this morning based on his clear teaching on transfusion triggers. Once again he was able to describe a concept clearly, and now we know why-His MOM is a wonderful teacher, and has obviously passed on her skills to him.

All I can tell you is that I AM THRILLED AND GREATLY ENCOURAGED by what I am seeing. We are passing a few days in Butare and then on to Nyungwe forrest to hike and do the canopy walk-(I suspect that this will be a few feet off the ground) and both Justin and I have a fear of heights-yikes!!!!

Hope all is well with you. We feel we know Justin’s MOM-and want to visit her in Montreal-Next time you have to come-you could do some volunteer work in an orphanage!!Then Justin would have 4 MOMS with him-WOW. (good thing he is not here reading this).

All the best

Love Jennifer