Leading Mayo surgeon seeks your support to save lives in Kenya
ONE of Mayo’s leading surgeons is urging the people of the county to get behind a major fundraising drive in a bid to save the lives of those injured in road traffic accidents in Kenya.
Dr. Bridget Hughes is a Trauma and Orthopedic Surgeon at Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar. MUH and Londiani Sub County Hospital in Kenya have a long established partnership, spanning some 20 years, and share learning between healthcare workers in Kenya and Ireland with the aim of improving health outcomes for all.
Working in conjunction with Brighter Communities Worldwide, an Irish NGO that works in partnership with the Ministry of Health and local communities on the ground in Londiani, Bridget says there is an urgent need for the development of further training in trauma care management, given the huge spike in road traffic accidents in Londiani.
“The community is still reeling from the horror road crash in Londiani last July when a lorry, carrying a shipping container lost control and crashed, wiping out several other vehicles, many roadside stalls and people waiting to make their way home. Fifty-two people sadly died with hundreds more injured.
“This awful tragedy has really concentrated the mind of the people on the ground and showed the urgent need to strengthen training in trauma care management for hospital staff and community volunteers, along with the need for a dedicated space at the hospital to assess and treat patients with dignity.
“Currently, the strain on hospital staff to treat patients is compounded by limited training, lack of trauma systems and a dedicated space in the hospital.
“The nearest facility with these services is 50km from Londiani. This is just too far.”
She continued: “The basic trauma care that happens following an accident is absolutely crucial, I can’t overstate this. We call this the Golden Hour. We use this term in trauma care to highlight how an injured patient has 60 minutes from time of injury to receive skilled care after which the risk of death or permanent disability increases significantly. Every second counts.
“This new Trauma Care Centre will greatly increase the chances that the first person to come upon an accident will know how to respond. The injured will have skilled hospital staff close at hand to ensure lives are saved and life changing injuries are limited.
“We’re aiming to raise €20,000 for this project to strengthen trauma care management.
“Brighter Communities Worldwide really makes money work, they make it stretch and nothing is wasted. It is always so encouraging and uplifting when I go back to see the progress that has been made at Londiani Sub Country Hospital. This is sustainability in action.
Continued Bridget: “The people of Mayo have been loyal supporters, and I would ask them to support our endeavours for this campaign which runs from April 8 to 12.
“During this time all donations up to €46 will be matched at 50%. Your €10 donation turns into €15; your €30 donation turns into €45.
“So, every cent we make will literally stretch. So, I would urge the wonderful people of Mayo who are so generous and kind, to get behind us once again and help us realise our dream of helping our colleagues in Londiani.
“Please donate today and save lives.”
Show your support here: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/stronger-trauma-care-in-kenya/.