Only 2 months to go for the Outreach in Ghana! It is flying by as we wind down to Christmas. It is amazing how much we have accomplished in such a short time with a great network of people who have come from all over the world to unite for such a great cause.
We have heard some incredible stories of the people we are serving in Ghana. Some of the patients have had to overcome so much suffering and rejection as they live with their deformities which have not been inflicted on them by choice. Their joy as they begin their healing process during their stay on the Anastasis is evident by the music emanating throughout the ship from the ward. The Drums come out and their voices are heard giving thanks for what has been done.
Adopt a patient programme has been running since the beginning of the Outreach. This gives crew members who are not directly involved with patients care a chance to interact and make them feel welcome in such a different environment. It is important to remember that a lot of our patients have not been exposed to living on a ship with flushing toilets, stair cases and air conditioning!
This month we did our 1000th eye patient that came through the operating room department. This is a big achievement by the whole team who are out in the field clinics referring patient to the dock side unit beside the ship who in turn get them ready to have their surgery in the Operating Room. The photos included are of Abdulai who is our 1000th patient to have an operation on board the ship. The joy on his face says it all as he receives his sight back.
Mark Heydenburg who is a Biomed Technician from International Aid came for a day to help fix one of our Anaesthetic Machines. While he was here he also took a look at the Oxygen Concentrator in Hold 4 to make sure it is functioning properly before we continue to use it again. We are so grateful that Mark is able come and serve in the way that he does. There are so many other pieces of equipment that need looking at especially as it has been decided to take the Anastasis to Liberia because the Africa Mercy is still not ready to sail. We continue to wait with anticipation for her arrival in West Africa next year.
