Carers are key in Malawi
Omega supporter Dr Helen Bowden and her husband Dr Mike Shields, a consultant haematologist send seasonal greetings from Malawi
"Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2011 to all at Omega. Mike and I are gradually adjusting to the hot steamy weather and mosquito bites!
The hospital is certainly different to UK general practice – carers are key here and do most of the ‘nursing care including administering morphine and dealing with dressings (when they are available). Still can’t get used to the indignity of patients on mattresses lying on the floor, under beds or in the corridor. People have obvious huge lumps or are very sick here – they rarely complain of sore throats etc!
I have a really good team promoting palliative care. Our work even extended to helping to put a roof on a patient’s house this week. I didn’t go up any ladders though – mostly supervised with a crowd of other ladies.
With best wishes to you all, Helen"
If you would like to support Helen’s important work in Malawi or are generally interested in making a difference in Malawi please contact gavin@omega.uk.net or get in touch with the Woodford Foundation via www.woodfordfoundation.org.uk
