Vietnam health project

St John of God Berwick helps Vietnam smile 

 

In February 2012, a team from St John of God Berwick Hospital will set off to complete their second health project in the remote northern highlands of Vietnam. The team of nurses, one dentist and one pastoral practitioner will spend 2 weeks in Van Village and Hang Kai providing the following healthcare outcomes:

• dental care and hygiene led by Paris Kritcharides, dentist at the hospital
• education and capacity building, working with local clinical staff
• donations of medical and educational equipment and supplies
• child-centred disease prevention work focusing on hand washing and teeth cleaning

The project requires a $40,000 budget and, to date, the team have successfully raised a total of $48,000, meaning the project is set to be a huge success and meet all its health objectives.

Project Leader, Donna McKendry said, "The generosity of our sponsors has made our project become a reality. We take dental care for granted but many people in these villages have never been to a dentist and received dental treatment. This, along with the equipment and supplies that the project funds will buy will ensure that the health & wellbeing of the villagers receives a huge and long term boost."

The Hospital would like to offer its sincere gratitude to our major sponsors who have made this project possible.  A special thank you to the following organisations:

• St John of God Social Outreach and Advocacy, $7500 donation.
• Berwick Rotary, $4000 donation.
• Nurses First, $1000 donation.
• Hartmanns, $1000 donation.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to the many sponsors (both companies and individuals) who have donated generous funds to the project:

$250 donations:

Ajani's Bonview Orchard, Berwick Physio, Civic Transport, Defries Industries, Emily Hill Farm, Framing to a T, Karl Storz, Rex Flannery in the name of Casey Poulton.

$200 donation:

Molnlycke 

$100 donations:

Atrium Medical, Barry Davies Painting, Barry Plant Emerald, Beaconsfield Pharmacy, Celcius Sheet Metal, Happy Medium Photography, Mitre 10 Emerald, Nick Cowling, Tom Van Den Dolder, Squiggle & Stitch.

$50 donations:

Cardinia Waters Village, Dolder Homes, Tynong Tennis, Vibe Health & Fitness.

The hospital began its relationship with Van Village and Hang Kai in 2009 when a team of nurses made their first visit to help build and kit out a new maternity room, donate much needed medical supplies and provide infant health checks. The trip was so successful that the hospital pledged to continue its work in the villages in a bid to develop better health outcomes for local families.

In consultation with district officials and chiefs, the 2012 trip builds on priority areas identified during the first visit in 2009.

Want to know more about the trip? Watch this space for full details upon the team's return!