News from Haiti, the final week: We visited Milot hospital (Hôpital

News from Haiti, the final week:
We visited Milot hospital (Hôpital Sacré-Coeur) where Dr Jilmice (ITTP committee member) is the medical director. I
was incredibly impressed at the cleanliness and organisation of this hospital, likely influenced by the long history of
international aid. There was a small physiotherapy gym and a refurbished container fitted out for prosthetic making,
where two Haitians were being trained
with international assistance. One of
our ITTP students works at this hospital
as a dentist and we visited his clinic.
Hospital entrance; paediatric department (note family members with mattresses and
belongings as they sleep over to look after the patients); prosthetic department.
Our Friday student clinic was very busy once
again. One of our paediatric patients returned
with a significant improvement after following
through with his prescribed exercises. We
provided further necessary exercises and taught
him to use a pair of crutches to assist him to be
independent and potentially return to school.
Seeing the smile on his face and watching him
dance with the crutches is an experience that I
will never forget! Along with another great mix
of patient ages and conditions we had a
gorgeous 3 year old who raced around the
treatment rooms and had us all laughing.
On the weekend, James took us to the Citadelle (La Citadelle la Ferrière) and Sans Souci Palace. The incredible
Citadelle was built as a
fortress against the
French, and has
breathtaking views
over the landscape
and out towards CapHaïtien and the
Atlantic Ocean. Those
who prefer not to
walk to the 900m
summit can ride up by
horse!
Jo, James and Lorraine. La Citadelle
la Ferrière in the background.
Patrick (our local guide), Lorraine, James, Jo
At the bottom of the hill are the ruins of Henri Christophe’s palace, adorned with a marble statue for his Italian wife.
Professor Jean-Claude Theis arrived from New Zealand. He will be
teaching paediatric orthopaedic surgery at Justinien Hospital. Dr
Ogedad (ITTP committee member) was very pleased to see him, as
Ogedad has previously travelled to NZ to study under him. Our
apartment was at maximum capacity with Pauline also visiting from
Port-au-Prince to assist with the ongoing school building issues.
My final week of teaching proved to be as
busy as ever. We pushed to complete the
practical testing and homework
assignments and the students are now
Pauline and Robyn – two amazing ladies
starting to study hard for their final written
who have made a great difference in
exam. Claire will teach for one further week,
Haiti
and then administer the exam the following week.
On my last day of teaching, the students organised a big surprise farewell party for us!
Along with cake, champagne and Haitian souvenirs, we had a DJ and plenty of speeches,
singing and Haitian dancing. The ITTP committee also visited to farewell me.
After two months, it is time to say goodbye to Haiti, a place that has become a second
home to me. Thanks to all the locals who have shown me so much kindness, and the
students at ITTP who have worked incredibly hard in our intensive classes. I’ll also be
saying goodbye to bucket showers, power cuts, mosquito nets, repellent, dust, scorching
heat and never ending noise (although I have some great Haitian music to take home).
I have learnt that the people of Haiti are incredibly hard
working, and resilient to the many daily challenges that
they face. They dote on their children, take pride in their
appearance, and show incredible commitment to the
church. They are constantly seeking to further their
education, often in many different areas! My hope is for
the students to continue their learning during the rest of
the year until a new team of therapists arrives next year
to complete their physiotherapy technician specific
training. I know that with the excellent committee in
charge, the success of the school is guaranteed.
Thanks to HHH for supporting me to complete this incredible experience! It is time to start the long journey home xx