Team reports

Nearly a year after our last visit to Ghana and months of hard work establishing the Norwegian International Hernia Team, we were once again ready for an impactful week at Holy Family Hospital in Berekum. Thanks to the generosity of our friends at Medtronic and Mölnlycke, our suitcases were brimming with meshes, sutures, and gloves — all essentials for the week ahead. The Journey Begins On Friday morning, Irina and Robbert-Jan set off from Stavanger, meeting Hans Gunnar and Jens Christian—traveling from Oslo—at Schiphol Airport. After a smooth flight, a surprisingly short wait at the visa-on-arrival counter, and a quick taxi ride, we arrived at the Baptist Guesthouse. As always, a delicious meal awaited us, making us feel right at home. Saturday morning, we embarked on our journey to Berekum. A comfortable flight with Passion Air brought us to Sunyani, where we were picked up and taken to the hospital. Accommodation had been arranged for us at Sister Reena’s house, adding a warm, personal touch to our stay. Exploring Local Healthcare That afternoon, we traveled to St. Matthews Hospital in Ampenkro to meet Dr. Emmanuel, who would join us for the week’s training. St. Matthews is a beautiful, but very small hospital where Dr. Emmanuel provides remarkable care to the local community together with one other medical doctor. We also visited a public hospital to better understand the contrasts between public and church-owned facilities and explore the potential for expanding our project beyond Holy Family Hospital. Preparation and Progress On Sunday afternoon, we met the local team: Dr. Frank Gyamfi (surgeon) and Dr. Daniel, and Dr. Francis (residents). Their dedication to preparing for our visit was evident. Since our training session in January, Daniel and Francis had been performing 1-2 Lichtenstein procedures weekly, and they were eager to refine their skills further in what would be a very hands-on week. A Week of Impactful Work Throughout the week, we treated a total of 50 patients, focusing heavily on teaching and training. Daniel, Francis, and Emmanuel took the lead as main operators in half of the cases, showcasing their growing confidence and competence. With access to three operating theaters at times, the workflow was remarkably efficient. We were pleased to report no adverse intraoperative events, and every patient was discharged the day after surgery, assessed and cleared with no signs of complications. The success of the week reflected not just the efforts of our team but the excellent groundwork laid by the local staff. Collaboration and Future Plans On Thursday evening, we had a productive meeting with Dr. Frank and Sister Reena, hospital administrator, where we evaluated the project’s progress and laid the foundation for future collaboration. Their enthusiasm and commitment to the initiative were inspiring, and we left with concrete plans for the years ahead. A Memorable Experience The hospitality at Holy Family Hospital was extraordinary. From Peter’s delicious meals to Regina’s attentive care in the operating theater, ensuring we had water and comfort during long days, every detail contributed to an incredible experience. One thing we always notice during missions like this is the uplifting atmosphere in the surgical department, even amidst long hours and hard work. Everyone is deeply committed to helping patients achieve the best outcomes and creating an environment for teamwork. As we prepared to leave, we carried with us a profound sense of gratitude—for the patients we helped, the skills we shared, and the friendships we formed. And, as tradition has it, preparations for the next trip are already underway. Until Next Time Berekum once again reminded us why we do this work. It’s not just about the surgeries performed but the bonds built and the shared vision of improving healthcare one step at a time. We’re already looking forward to our next visit and continuing this rewarding journey together. November 15-23, 2024