Three productive weeks

We've already completed our three weeks in Sengerema. Time always flies, and once again, we’ve been able to make some progress.

Last time, we left just before the opening, so we were very curious to see how everything is functioning now that it’s in use.

Michiel, and before him Paco, worked on optimizing the anesthesia equipment, training the anesthesia staff, and monitoring patients who are being ventilated. Until recently, most patients received a spinal anesthetic or were breathing spontaneously. The ability to monitor and ventilate patients is a major step forward, allowing for safer and more controlled anesthesia. All anesthesia machines are now also equipped with a suction unit.

The Oxylog, a ventilator for the ambulance, is now working and can be used. Previously, patients needing transport to the university hospital in Mwanza — a journey of at least two hours — had to be manually ventilated during the trip.

Anja has been busy again with the surgical instruments. In both the trauma store and general store, all sets have been checked and restocked with proper instruments. The sets have been photographed and laminated, and there is now a book containing photos of all sets. Additionally, a photo is placed with each set in both stores so that everyone can see what the set should contain. The wound dressing area has also received new sets with proper instruments.

There was a lot of single-use instrument material in circulation, which, during sterilization, damages the good instruments and causes a kind of rusting.

I’ve also managed to place a functioning suction unit in each surgery room, so they no longer need to share with anesthesia.

The next big step will be to keep the sets clean and complete.

That will still be quite a challenge!

On the last day, I gave a training to the scrub nurses to show them how the stores are organized. We opened several sets to demonstrate how to lay them out in an orderly way so it's immediately clear whether the set is complete. I also thoroughly discussed the importance of proper cleaning.

We look back on productive weeks, and we had a lovely time working together with Erik and Jiska. We’re going to miss it again.

Kwaheri.