There is still so much more to do in Rwanda (From Worcester News)

There is still so much more to do in Rwanda

4:20pm Thursday 11th March 2010 in

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A RETIRED GP has returned from Rwanda where he spent a month treating children and adults for illness and injury.

David Tibbutt, who is also a Worcester city councillor, went back to the Kirambi Health Centre where he spent time volunteering last summer.

This latest mission, supported by the Rotary Doctor Bank of Great Britain and Ireland, has resulted in him being asked for his views on developing medical care in the country’s rural areas.

Mr Tibbutt, a retired consultant physician, said: “I believe that my four-week long visit was a great success. I certainly found it very rewarding professionally.

“By concentrating our efforts in a small place, like Kirambi, we can create real benefits. Repeat visits show commitment to the local people and the health centre staff. This leads to a wonderful working relationship.”

Kirambi Health Centre is about three hours’ drive south-west from Kigali – the capital of Rwanda.

The health centre, which has 45 beds, has been run by the Medical Missionaries of Mary for the last 15 years.

Mr Tibbutt, of Stuart Rise, Battenhall, said the staff are all Rwandan nurses who have received basic training.

He said: “There are no resident or nearby doctors. The 11 nurses, under the direction of Sister Goretti, are responsible for assessing and treating the patients and making judgments as to the need for transfer to the nearest hospital.

“That hospital, at a place called Nyanza, is at least an hour’s difficult drive away in a 4x4.

“The health centre has an ambulance but it has to use it sparingly and only for the very sick. All other transfers either have to walk for about four hours or use a motorbike taxi.”

Mr Tibbutt said he conducted 19 all-day clinics and although he had no official translator he was able to get by using one health centre nurse’s understanding of English and his “smattering of French” which is also spoken in Rwanda.

Malaria is a common problem and Mr Tibbut said he saw 118 cases during his stay. Diarrhoea and vomiting are also widespread and while he only saw four cases of pneumonia in children “they were especially worrying”. He said: “These required much attention but I am pleased to say that all recovered, much to the credit of the nurses on duty.”

One patient remains vivid in Mr Tibbutt’s memory.

“He was five years old and had fallen on to a nail on the edge of a door, impaling his forehead. By the time I saw him his face was swollen and both eyes closed from the swelling.”

The child was given antibiotics and within 48 hours made a rapid recovery.

Mr Tibbutt said: “The child came to the ward door clapping his hands with glee, so did his mother.”

Mr Tibbutt said teaching the nurses at Kirambi was a priority and much of that was done on the job.

He said: “Kirambi Health Centre provides the only medical service for many miles around. The terrain is difficult so makes the service even more important.

“Although the nurses have only a basic training they provide crucial medical care and save many lives.

“Ongoing continuing professional development is vital but is in its infancy. I have been in touch with the Rwandan authorities and have been asked to advise.”