After six years, Interplast has returned to Vanuatu to deliver vital nurse education, helping local nurses gain practical skills to care for patients with burns, diabetic complications, trauma, and post-operative wounds. It’s supporters like you who make programs like this possible.
Building on foundations laid by programs in 2018 and 2019, the team worked closely with Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health to ensure the training was tailored to local needs and resources. Over 40 nurses from ICU, outpatient clinics, and community health services joined in, learning hands-on techniques in wound assessment, care, burns management, diabetic foot care, amputations, and post-operative support.
Volunteer nurse educators Pip Tesselaar and Frances Severino led the sessions, demonstrating practical approaches using everyday materials such as honey, aloe vera, and acetic acid. Tools such as a wound assessment chart were also introduced to help nurses continue applying what they learned in their daily work.
Pip said “I am passionate about sharing the knowledge and experience I have gained throughout my career to date. I believe by providing opportunities and investing in local staff, we are able to improve patient outcomes.”
Continually providing training to local nurses and clinicians builds the capacity at a local level. More patients receive expert care in a timely manner, producing better patient outcomes and improved care.
“With the training, I can teach and show my other colleagues how to do a wound assessment and teach them to describe a wound and even educate patients about wound care,” said participant nurse, Marina.
Thanks to people like you, local nurses can build confidence and skills that will benefit patients across Vanuatu.
Acknowledgements
This program was delivered in partnership with the Australian Government through the Vanuatu Australia Health Partnership (VAHP).
