Description
The video presentation begins with Lucy Lester and Richard Dimmock discussing their experiences as orthopedic and plastic surgical trainees in Malawi, specifically at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) and CURE Hospital in Blantyre. The session opens with Lucy expressing gratitude and introducing a short video before Richard delves into the challenges of trauma care in Malawi, emphasizing the alarming statistics of injury-related deaths, particularly among the youth, due to road traffic accidents and the rise of motor vehicles.
Richard provides an overview of QECH’s capabilities, which includes its vast number of trauma beds, surgical specialties, and high-energy trauma cases such as open tibial fractures. He highlights the limitations within the healthcare infrastructure, such as the absence of essential surgical tools like a c-arm, and the frequent necessity for amputations due to severe injuries. Lucy transitions to describe a typical busy day for the plastics team, detailing the collaborative nature of trauma surgery and the prevalence of pediatric burn victims, with a focus on the statistics of burn injuries in children.
Richard then shifts attention to CURE Hospital, outlining its role in treating orthopedic and plastic surgical conditions in children, mentioning its history and impact on pediatric care through specialized surgical procedures. Lucy continues by showcasing the challenges of operable conditions in Malawi, including the long waiting periods for surgeries and the initiative to provide outreach services for underserved communities.
The session culminates with a focus on medical education and the importance of training healthcare professionals in Malawi, emphasizing collaboration and the potential for future health improvements through global partnerships. Lucy and Richard conclude by inviting questions from the audience, highlighting the inspiring resilience of colleagues striving to enhance healthcare in their communities.