From October 14 to 27 of this year 2017, a medical team consisting of plastic surgeons: Dr. Elena Lorda, Dr. MÂȘ Teresa FernĂĄndez, trauma surgeon Dr. Maximino Villena and anesthesiologist Dr. MÂȘ Teresa Ibåñez, went to St. John of God Catholic Hospital, Hospital of the Order of Saint John of God, in Mabesseneh, Lunsar (Sierra Leone) to participate in a plastic and trauma surgery campaign promoted by Juan Ciudad ONGD, aimed at serving the most disadvantaged population in the area of influence of this hospital.
During the campaign, 68 people were seen, nearly half of whom were under the age of 14. Patients with complex plastic and orthopedic conditions, such as reconstruction of limbs after amputations or burns, were treated with the aim of achieving the greatest possible functionality. Patients also included tumors and keloids, and others with trauma conditions, such as non-consolidated fractures and osteomyelitis, among others.
In addition to the surgical activity carried out, two accredited theoretical and practical workshops on cardiopulmonary resuscitation were held during this campaign. These workshops were aimed at students from the nursing school linked to the Hospital and professionals from this center, and were attended by 46 people. Dr. MÂȘ Teresa Ibañez also trained two anesthesiologists at the hospital on the use of the new anesthesia machine available at this center, in spontaneous, assisted, and controlled ventilation, nerve blocks of the upper and lower limbs, neuraxial blockade, postoperative pain management, and other relevant anesthesia techniques.
This has been the second time that this surgical team has collaborated with Juan Ciudad ONGD, since in 2016 and through SECPRE (Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery) they participated in a similar surgical campaign, carried out at St. Joseph's Catholic Hospital in Monrovia (Liberia).
Campaigns like this one help many people access specialized care, thus improving their health and living conditions. They also contribute to the training of local professionals and empower them to improve and promote the health of the population.
From Juan Ciudad we want to thank this team for the work done in this campaign!
By Belén Jiménez, project manager at Juan Ciudad NGO
