Our 4 weeks in Sengerema have flown by, and it is great to see what we have accomplished in preparation for the move to the wonderfully beautiful OR complex.

One of the biggest improvements is having all the materials and resources needed for surgery in one location. The pharmacy will have a store in the OR complex, so there will no longer be a need to go to the pharmacy elsewhere on the grounds to collect missing medications or supplies.

The new working method for anesthesia includes having a basic stock of medicines, syringes, infusion systems, etc., in an anesthesia trolley in the OR. After surgery, it can be restocked in the pharmacy store, so there will no longer be a reliance on the (incomplete) sets that used to accompany the patient.

The basic requirements were set up by Michiel in consultation with the anesthesia team, and now everything needs to be finalized organizationally.

Additionally, the anesthesia machines have mostly been completed. A few parts are still on their way from the Netherlands, and on Thursday, we were able to collect essential parts for the anesthesia machine from St Claire Hospital, donated by Thomas Kuhn, who was present and to whom we owe much gratitude.

All surgical materials and supplies will also be housed in the new OR complex. The Trauma store and the General store are prepared so that when the move happens, the sets can be easily transferred. Many sets have already been adjusted, equipped with new instruments, photographed, printed, and laminated, creating a clear reference book for the OR assistants to keep the sets in order.

It is very rewarding to see how grateful the people are for this preparation, and they are proud that in a few weeks, they will be able to work there. We can certainly understand that.

Under the inspiring leadership of Erik and Jiska, a beautiful OR complex and conference center is taking shape.