Busy and long day in theatre

5 cases, 4 open and 1 closed.  The theatre crew are all still hard at work, while it's almost dinner time for others.  A few photos from theatre today (there are some graphic surgical images after the read more... link):

Our Perfusionist, Hayden (with the lovely Lisa, my tour guide):

And Brad waits on the bench:

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Gifts from Australia

One of the biggest joys for the team is to be able to spend time with the kids on the recovery ward.  And one of the big joys for the kids are the assortment of presents that have been brought for them from Australia.  Even Norbet (on the left) managed a smile.

 

 

 

 

Eugene tried to teach Melissa to "walk the dog", but I think it ended up being the other way around.

Thanks to everyone from home who's contributed gifts - they are much appreciated (and more on that later today).  A special thanks to Tommy's class!

 

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Changes on the road to KFH

One of the common observations from returning team members has been the marked changes in Kigali, including paved roads where there was only a dirt track this time last year, and the sad demise of the mud-brick houses on the road to the hospital.

 

 

 

The charm of the old track to the Hospital, with the brightly coloured buildings and distinctive artwork, will be familiar to those of you who've seen the DVD.  Whilst it's sad for those who've been before to lose some of the character of the place, the rate of progress in the city is amazing...  The neon sign on top of the hospital is another obvious change.

 

 

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All smiles on the Ward.

Beth with the second patient out to the ward, Melissa.  All smiles after a resection of a subaortic membrane.
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