A surgeon from Fixby has led a team of medics who travelled to Ghana to give desperate patients life changing hernia treatments.
Consultant general and gastrointestinal surgeon, Adeshina Fawole of Fixby led the team of medics from the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust team who carried out surgery in Africa as part of the Operation Hernia project.
The medical team also comprised Beverley Parker, Chris Macklin, Beverley Parker and Hannah Welbourn.
The trip has been hailed a huge success with the team successfully treating 107 patients with “massive and disabling” hernias in Africa as part of the Operation Hernia project.
Dr Parker said: “It has been estimated that there are 6.3million untreated hernias in Africa. As a result, numerous preventable deaths and cases of permanent disability occur.
“In just five days we operated on 107 patients, including 19 children, who without the treatment might have died.
“We counted our blessings whilst working in Ghana and were inspired by the patients and staff who demonstrated admirable teamwork, and despite the poor resources had results to be proud of.”
Operation Hernia is a not-for-profit organisation that provides surgery to patients in developing countries who otherwise would not receive it.
The trip was part of the British Medical Association’s new ‘Doctors as Volunteers’ initiative, which promotes and supports people considering medical volunteering.
The doctors’ work won plaudits from the British Medical Association.
Dr Ian Wilson, Chair of the British Medical Association’s representative body, said: “The importance and significance of charitable work has far-reaching benefits not only to the individual, through broadening the skills base of clinicians, but also to host countries or UK communities where help and assistance leaves a positive legacy.
“By showcasing individual experiences, we hope to encourage and inspire those considering voluntary work.”
