Charity Odei, Assistant Matron at Korle Bu teaching hospital is currently in the UK extending her training in the management of wounds and care of burns patients. Resurge Africa has supported her clinical visit, first attending a training course in Tissue Viability organised by the e-GNCS team in Manchester, followed by two weeks at the Canniesburn unit at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Charity writes in her report:  One question which is ‘how do I gain more insight into plastic surgery and burns nursing’ in order to give out my best to our clients, was the main motivating factor for me to request for this trip.  Though we are being trained on the job, I’ve always felt the need to explore for more knowledge, so I read books, materials and everything concerning plastic surgery nursing that I come across.  Whilst scrolling on the net, I came across the tissue viability courses.  After discussion with Mr Webster in January 2011, the green light was finally given by the Board of Directors of Resurge Africa with full sponsorship.”

Charity has made the most of her visit and participated fully in the work of the Plastic Surgery unit at the Royal. She observed best practice on the wards, in outpatients and in theatre where she observed breast reconstruction with free flaps raised from the abdominal tissue; escharotomy, revision of scar and lengthening of a shortened leg.

Charity has written a detailed report on her visit and will aim to share her ideas on wound management with colleagues in Accra.

“In conclusion, I say a very big thank you.  I am very grateful to God Almighty for taking me through this programme. Mr Webster who encouraged me and the Board of Directors of the Resurge Africa, Charity organisation who sponsored this programme.  Dr Margaret Strick who showed much interest in me and what I was in UK for and provided a lot of assistance.  Dorothy, Jackie, Tracy and her mother, Mrs McInally. All staff of the Royal Infirmary Hospital and last but not the least, Mr Ampomah, the Director of the Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit, Ghana and my immediate boss Mrs Poku.”