Huddersfield hospital helps mercy mission

Jul 6 2009 by Anne-Marie Senior, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

John said: “The facilities are so poor. I feel sorry for the doctors and nurses who work there, seeing such complicated cases with such limited facilities.

“The hospital serves 350,000 people and there are 1,000 births a year there, but they have been forgotten.

“Sadly, one in 16 children born in the hospital die. It is a huge death rate.

“What we are doing is only a drop in the ocean, but if it saves one child’s life it is all worth it.”

Unwanted medical equipment from a number of hospitals across Yorkshire has been donated to the Rotary group in preparation for their trip.

It will be loaded into a 40ft-long container later this month and shipped to Africa ahead of their October visit.

The group is also appealing for a midwife and an anaesthetist to join their team.

The volunteers – who are covering their own travel expenses – will also be spending £35,000 on supplies and building work at the hospital, raised by local Rotary groups.

John added: “We hope it will boost their morale and give them a sense of pride and ownership by showing them if they come together they can improve the standard of care.

“This is mighty intervention in a community that has been sidelined by the country’s professionals for many, many years.

“Hopefully by bringing it to their attention this bad situation will not be allowed to continue.”

Anyone with items to donate or who wants to volunteer is asked to contact John on 01484 421032.