It's Friday!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My favorite day of the week - Friday. We had a very busy last few days and I came home exhausted. Had the opportunity to meet with the Attorney General to discuss ways in which we at public health could contribute to improving the health and safety of the citizens. We have a very big project - age of consent.  He was supportive and we are in the stage of addressing as many issues as we can before our next meeting with him in about a week.  Also had an opportunity to go the OR to observe Dr. Peter the surgeon perform a hemithyroidectomy. Nice job. The OR's are just like at home - this one is big and has modern and functional equipment. I asked the anesthesiologist and surgeon if they had everything they need, both thought that they did.  The US also supplies funds to the country for health care, while it is far from perfect, it is a start. Just no where near enough - we shouldbe so grateful. Very few have insurance, if you need any off island treatments, there is a long process where you also have to contribut $500.00 up front. For most, this is just not feasible.

Here are a few pictures from the last few days.

How many times do you think they were asked to use the phone before they put up this sign? Do you think people still ask them? My bet is yes.

Dr. James, Chief of Medicine and a real cool guy.

Dr. Peter, the surgeon, is from Papua New Guineau. He is with one of our nirses.

One of two operating rooms, in very good shape. They did renovations on the hospital and it really is very pleasant.

This is Dr. Dennis. He is the anesthesiologist. I like to watch him interact with the patients - he is very kind and compassionate. A good doc.

OK, I caught him on the cell phone in the OR.

First it is the smiles..................................

 

 

..............................................................then the tears!

The attorney general.

This patient consented to the photograph. He is from the outer island Fais and had fallen 30 feet. He fractures his spine. The leafe behind his neck was placed there by his family to help the nerves heal.

The nurses and Dr. James in the nursing station.

Dr. Dennis with his young  patient with asthma. Little boy is much improved.

Making rounds with the  doctors and nurses.

 

 A brand new baby girl. Both mother and baby are doing well.

 

Aileen gave a very nice presentation on gynecologic cancers at the Continuing Meedical Educaiton lecture. She is a member of the cancer program here.

Tricky. Two youngsters trying to repair a backback. "Tricky" I said. they much  have loved the word because they kept repeating "tricky", "tricky", as they worked on it. They fixed it. And it  was tricky.

Who can resist a picture of a pink kayak? This belongs to one of the Peace Corps Response Volunteers, Graham. He patched up the holes and now paddles 30 minutes each way to work and back.

And now, it is time for football! Must get to the maraina to see  if the highlights are being shown.