COLLABORATING FOR MUTUAL LEARNING

"Volunteering for over 10 years I've learned how the simplest things can make the biggest difference. If you can get the fundamentals right, then you have a chance of making a huge difference to healthcare systems in resource poor countries." Dr Wilf Kelsall, Consultant Neonatologist

 

Addenbrooke's Abroad works to support mutual learning between CUH and healthcare services overseas – whether or not there is an established Link programme.

Since 2006 Staff and students from Cambridge University Hospitals have volunteered in over 25 countries around the world. The Addenbrooke’s Abroad project support scheme supports staff members to undertake voluntary work overseas. During 2009 staff volunteered in Kenya, India, Nepal, Togo, Sierra Leone and Uganda. Three staff members from Addenbrooke’s Hospital joined Operation Smile missions to India which were part of the Blue Peter Send a Smile Christmas Appeal. (Read Dr Anke Top's case study on right for more information.)

Zalau Emergency Hospital, Salaj District, Romania

Since 1991, over 150 staff from CUH have been involved in a Link with Zalau Emergency Hospital via Medical Support in Romania (MSR), another Cambridge-based charity. Addenbrooke’s Abroad has also helped to facilitate training visits by Romanian medical staff to CUH.  Many non-medical staff from CUH have been involved in the Link including staff from the sterile services department who have helped to develop sterile services in the Zalau Hospital which are now considered a national model of excellence.

Read here how Dr Wilf Kelsall is using plastic bags to save the lives of newborns in Romania.

Click here for Medical Support in Romania (MSR) website

 

All skills are welcome

"Even through the language barrier, I learnt that a smile can go a long way."
Debbie Morgan, Assistant Director of Commissioning, CUH Finance Department

 

Many volunteers bring valuable non-medical expertise in order to improve the overall delivery of healthcare. Debbie Morgan, Assistant Director of Commissioning, CUH Finance Department (pictured right) has played a role in improving staff motivation when she volunteered with the Bwindi Community Hospital – in the Kanunga District of Uganda. Read more...