As part of PHASE Worldwide’s projects they have a long established GP mentoring scheme in Nepal and having worked in Shiskine ,I was keen in “retirement” to participate in this .
In December 2018 I was sent to the far West of Nepal as the charity felt I could cope with the concept of being a day or two from hospital support. The clinic in Dhainakot was a seven hour walk from the nearest road! My role was to mentor the local staff - the healthcare is mainly provided by nurses who are also midwives and work with very basic equipment and medicines. The staff really appreciate help with developing their consultation and examination skills as well as going through emergency care scenarios. On my first night we walked an hour uphill to help a woman who had been in labour for over thirty hours and with assistance gave birth in a byre by the light of my headset and a mobile phone torch! Water and electricity are a luxury even in the health centre let alone village houses. Supporting the nurses in their efforts at health promotion and maternal education was a true privilege.

I was  very impressed by how much effort the  charity puts into training the local villagers and local staff to support health, education and agriculture projects which are long term sustainable. I benefitted from the agriculture worker living in the village and growing vegetables for our clinic.

I am setting myself a challenge of walking 250km in April to fundraise for  PHASE during their “Start Strong “UK Aid Match appeal this spring.
Now that Coronavirus restrictions have eased a little, I can venture out of Lochranza, and if anyone would like to show me  any walks elsewhere on the island , I would love some company. Please call me on 830278. Thanks.

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