Open Heart training underway

 EDUCATION sessions with Open Heart International (OHI) volunteer Fran Bielby and Kiasha McInnis have been undertaken in the lead up to a surgery programme at Port Moresby General Hospital. 

This has mostly occurred while preparing before most of the team arrives for this year’s Operation Open Heart.

The Port Moresby General Hospital website on Monday reported that these sessions focused on things such as treatment, setup and initial patient aftercare. 

While some of the local staff attending the sessions have more experience than others, it provides a solid foundation of knowledge for everyone involved as well as in helping to maintain training with local hospital staff.

“This morning (Feb 8) sees the first day of surgery with patients on the ward awaiting surgery and the first patient – Christopher – undergoing the first surgery of PNG cardiac 2016. 

“The theatre is a vital area of the ongoing programme and its collaborative efforts. 

“The local theatre staff is across all areas including the local perfusionist, anaesthetics, theatre nurses and surgeons.”

Six months ago was the last time OHI was here and the last time many of the local staff was able to perform these tasks on paediatric cases. 

The local staff, however, has gained in self-education. 

Normally, the staff at the hospital works on adult patients.