I'm seated at a computer at a library across the street from the clinic where I work. I spent the morning with a primary care physician observing her provide free care to local people. She didn't have an otoscope to check for ear infections. No sheets to change on the table between patients. The patients were able to get free medication when she wrote them a prescription. The patients wait for hours seated on cement benches that are rounded and have no back support on them.
Yesterday I worked with a midwife doing prenatal exams. She used an antiquated wooden tube to listed to the fetal heart rate. I finally got the hang of it and was able to participate in providing care. Women had to bring their own towel to place on the exam table as there isn't enough paper to cover the exam table between patients. I actually will be doing health teaching in the schools come September.
My supavisa( supervisor) Miss Talbot is a seasoned public health inspector. She has a loud bark, but a soft heart. She asked me to give a talk to food handlers who needed to pass an annual exam. All she told me was that I was to talk on sanitation and hygiene. Not exactly much to go on! I ended up using transparencies and their projector ( well worn)to do my presentation. The room has an old fan for cooling purposes, so not only did I have to struggle to hold the transparencies while I presented, I had to talk to 30 people wedged into a small unbearably hot room and speak above the whir of a fan. My supavisa told me that I did a great job. Must have been the fact that I started out with a few Patwa phrases. They laughed at the Whitey trying to sound Jamaica.
Return to the Teacher's college on Sunday for more training. Can't wait to hear the stories from the other volunteers. Some are situated in the mountains with no stores in their towns. I've gotten down the bus system and route taxis. I have to take two buses to get to work. Should be wild when school starts as the kids take the public bus to school!
Hanging in there and in fact am enjoying sharing this experience with Matt. He's unbelievable relaxed and mellow. Actually, you could rise to the top of the corporate ladder here just by showing up for work. The standards are non-existant.
Love to you all,
Kare
