Saturday 1 December 2012

December 2012 - A Message from Chitambo



A text message from Chitambo shows Zambian government committment to developments there as well as the effects of joint partnership efforts to put Chitambo on the map:




"Wonders are happening here.  Chitambo has been delared a district with a 5 year development plan.  It's amazing.  Thanks for your support and always thinking of Chitamo.  These are the fruits."

Monday 1 October 2012

October 2012 - Resusci Annie

Resusci Annie







Teaching has progressed very well at the nursing school over the first year and students completed their first module and have been on placement at other centres including Serenje and Chiloinga.  It was reported that the school would benefit from a nurse training manikin and Penicuik for Africa once again fundraised to supply a Resusci Annie model (pictured).


Resusci Annie at Chitambo:
(Photo by MAF)


This was transported from UK to Zambia by a medical consultant who was attending a maternal and child health conference in Lusaka.  Levi Chifwaila arranged for the model’s transport to Chitambo


Whilst the model is useful for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, it is less so for basic nursing care such as bed bathing.  Locating an affordable nurse training simulator, which did not require expensive upkeep and maintenance, is a real challenge.


Sunday 1 January 2012

January 2012 - Chitambo Nurse Training School Reopens




This was a very historic month for Chitambo.  The Nurse Training School opened on 9th January. 


The 27 Registered Nurse students started to arrive on Friday 6th and Levi Chifwaila, Nurse Tutor, gave the first lecture was given on 16th.


Medical Aid Films:


The opening of the school coincided with a visit to Chitambo by Sarah Wallace, Programme Officer, Medical Aid Films (MAF):  http://www.medicalaidfilms.org/


MAF is a UK-based organisation which is producing teaching aid films for patients and staff (Traditional Birth Attendants, Nurses and Junior Doctors).  Films, so far, include Safe Delivery, Prevention of Postpartum Haemorrhage, Neonatal Resuscitation etc.  They are completely free of charge and are geared towards low resource and no resource settings.


Sarah is investigating piloting the films at Chitambo, both at the hospital’s proactive Ante Natal Clinic and at associated Rural Health Clinics.  This provides potential to supplement existing patient education with visual displays.  With permission of local staff, Sarah obtained some film footage at Chitambo and also gave a favourable report of the readiness of the NTS and hostel for action.