In March, the Interplast team weathered some significant challenges to deliver life-changing health care to patients of Boram General Hospital in Wewak, Papua New Guinea.
Overcoming challenges
When conflict closed roads, extreme weather flooded buildings and a shortage interrupted water supply, we prepared for significant delays to our planned program. Thankfully, our partners at PanAust and Boram General Hospital provided significant support to resolve issues before the surgical team arrived, meaning patients were able to access care on time.
Unfortunately, there were unavoidable delays to pre-program training activities led by Interplast volunteer and nurse educator, Chris Hunter. We will consider running these activities again when planning our next program in Wewak.
The Interplast team with Dr Jackson Nuli and Dr Kaycee Amoko.
Incredible outcomes
Thanks to this powerful partnership with PanAust and the Ministry of Health, we were able to provide valuable nursing and allied health training to local nursing staff and deliver high-quality patient care. In total, the team provided:
- 107 patient consultations
- 29 surgeries
- 30 allied health treatments
- 35 participants trained.
Dr Nuli and Dr Karanth lead a complex surgery on a young patient.
Another key achievement was the introduction of the Post-Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU), or recovery room, to the surgical services department. After feedback from our previous program found need for a dedicated space for patients recovering from anaesthesia, nursing leadership ensured a room was prepared.
“I have learned a lot, especially [about] patient recovery in the PACU area using a tool recovery sheet [as] trained by Chris Hunter,” said Marta Kela, Nurse Manager at Boram General Hospital.
Despite interruptions, the additional week of training Chris provided to nurses before the surgical program was successful. Participants were able to apply and implement the knowledge gained over this week, with additional support from the Interplast team.
“I now can handover report confidently using ISBAR and am confident in recovery room assessment,” said Oscar Joe, Nursing Officer.
Above all, patients were able to access life-changing care. A 4-month-old child was able to have his cleft lip and palate repaired before it could severely impact his speech. A six-year-old boy has the chance to regain function in his hand before starting school. A grandmother may regain her independence and enjoy working in her garden again.
No operation is the achievement of one person. Success is only possible through strong, multi-disciplinary collaboration.
Acknowledgements
The success of this program was made possible by our generous funder, PanAust, and the dedication and hospitality of staff at Boram General Hospital.
Through the surgical program, the Interplast team were assisted by PanAust representatives, Mr Passingan Turian and Ms Jane Mills, local surgeons Dr Jackson Nuli and Dr Kaycee Amoko and local anaesthetist Dr Joel Silari. We are grateful for their support.
We also thank our incredible volunteers Sid Karanth, Jon Stacey, Penny McMahon, Jen McKinnon and Christine Hunter for their hard work and commitment to quality, equitable health care.
