Another successful trip to Malawi
MEMBERS of the Gorey Malawi Health Partnership recently paid a visit to Malawi and Dr Peter Harrington, Dr Nalini Ambiavagar and Nurse Denise Behan of The Palms Surgery in Gory were on hand to pass on medical tips and advice to budding professionals at St John’s Hospital, Mzuzu.
Since the partnership was founded in 2016, there have been many annual trips over and back for all involved but it was the first time to Malawi for nurse Denise Behan.
During this year’s autumn trip, all involved discussed plans to extend the Mzuzu hospital to smaller hospitals in Northern Malawi.
‘The focus is to assist the medical personnel in Malawi in the management and treatment of people with chronic disease such as asthma, high blood pressure and diabetes. Support is ongoing throughout the year with web conferences and the development of the teaching tool, the Moodle App,’ said Denise.
‘New links are being created and on this trip we met with the Irish Ambassador Gerry Cunningham and Development officer Diarmaid McClean. We are liaising with University of Limerick to discuss the possibility of an educational support and a distance learning course becoming available. ‘The way we see it the possible pairing with UL and St John’s Institute in Mzuzu would be a huge step in improving healthcare in Malawi,’ she said.
Denise enjoyed instructing other nursing personal about using equipment.
‘Education is the key to improving the outcomes for these people and our trips focus very much on educating staff at ground level with managing health issues and trying to change outdated practices,’ she said.
The Gorey team received an invitation to stay in the Bishop’s residence during the trip, and on arrival at St John’s Hospital had a plaque displayed recognising the work of the partnership.
‘We hope that going forward over time people and ideas will travel between our two countries improving the lives of all involved, but none of this would be possible without the continued support of Esther Ireland and the Department of foreign affairs’ Irish Aid Programme but most especially the generosity of the people and businesses of Gorey and the surrounding areas who have been amazing in taking the Malawian people into their hearts,’ said Denise.
To show your support, set up a fundraiser or donate to this cause, donations can be forwarded to www.thepalmssurgery.com or by contacting The Palms Surgery on The Avenue.