Penultimate course has drawn to a close

Teaching in Dar es Salaam has been a growth experience for me and my colleagues.  It has been challenging, sheer hard work, awe inspiring and great fun. The penultimate couse has been at Kairuki University Hospital (private) with half the participants from Mwananyamala Hospital (government).  A marked contrast in the locations and facilities.

Kairuki University Hospital

View from the classroom (7th floor board room)

Restricted space for teaching practical stuff

We were allocated the board room on the 7th floor for teaching the group of 13 midwives. Not the best choice for doing practical work, but we adapt.  What was a killer was the fact that the lift was rarely working and when it was we were reluctant to use it in case it stopped while we were inside.  High humidity and the climb with all our equipment guaranteed I was completely saturated by the time we started.  Additionally the airconditioner was out of action.

 Estimating blood loss

 

Lightness did really well but no-one got the 4th amount

As with the previous courses we also went into the clinical areas with the participants.  Terri and Narelle took 7 to Mwananyamala and I managed 6 at Kairuki,. I did get the chance to go Mwananyamala once bearing gifts for the labour ward - a pulse oximeter for the babies that I was able to demonstrate on a baby, and successfully manage to reduce the amount of oxygen being blasted up the poor child's nose, plus a resuscitation bag and mask and clothes for the neonatal ward. 

 Gifts for the neonatal ward at Mwananyamala

 

 

 

 

Mothers were excited but the babies unimpressed with the new bonnets

Participants happy to show us their wards

We had the opportunity to provide some education to the doctors which went very well indeed.  I think we need a doctor on our team so our message really gets to all the health team.

 

The board room was required for other purposes so our last 2 days we were provided a classroom on the 5th floor.  The downside was no working electric socket or air conditioning.  No problem, a number of extensions and powerboards and electricity was produced from another office.

 



Much roomier

The participants presented their case studies on Friday, telling us how they will use the information / knowledge they have gained to best advantage for the women and babies in their care.  This part of the program has produced some real surprises and challenges but we were so excited when two of the women demonstrated to us allowed a woman to birth in a different position with great success.  We were so excited by their enthusiasm and quite overcome by emotion. I could have cried I was so happy.

 

As with each course we have our identified champions to take our message to the clinical areas.  However if we can make even a slight positive impression on all of them they may be more inclined to use the information we have provided.

 

Aveline

 

Maria

 

Elizabeth

 

Grace - a real champ as she was also on night duty

 

Aurelia

 

Chiku

 

Singing has been a great part of each group.  We have loved the fact the each group has sung for us. They have such awesome voices and harmonising skills.