Volunteering to bring hope and healing on hospital ship
Amy Skiller, Associate Lecturer in the Department of Nursing, recently spent three weeks volunteering as an anaesthetic assistant with Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone. Mercy Ships works with international volunteers to provide free surgery to those who may otherwise not be able to access health care, whilst also helping to build the capacity of local healthcare systems.
During her time onboard the hospital ship Global Mercy, Amy worked with the anaesthesia team to provide care for both adults and children undergoing orthopaedic, general, and maxillofacial surgeries. Whilst working with health care professionals from all over the world demonstrates unique challenges, it also highlights the importance of communication and teamwork in order to deliver safe, high-quality care.
Along with providing medical care onboard, Amy was involved in Mercy Ships’ Education, Training and Advocacy program, designed to support and develop the skills of the local healthcare workforce. As part of this, Amy provided mentoring to local nurses who came onboard to learn more about standards for safe surgical care.
A deeply rewarding experience, this trip offered the opportunity to foster cross-cultural multi-disciplinary collaboration, whilst providing surgical care and training to the people of Sierra Leone who need it the most.
