Driving change in Timor-Leste

14 Jul 2017

14 July 2017

Jose ‘Nuno' Soares started working for St John of God Social Outreach in September 2011 as a translator and interpreter for the International Health program in Timor-Leste.

As the Language and Culture Team Leader, Nuno’s role involves coordinating the language and culture services for St John of God Health Care programs at the national hospital in Dili.

“The language and culture officers are responsible for attending and interpreting at hospital meetings, interviews and training sessions. They also organise and deliver the translation of written materials including reports, training resources and presentations,” he said. 

Having worked for SJGHC for over six years Nuno has seen first-hand some of the significant changes and outcomes of the capacity building work being delivered in Timor-Leste. 

“Since I started in 2011 I have seen a lot of change and improvement through the work of St John of God Health Care in the national hospital and at the national laboratory. 

“The capacity and skills of the nursing workforce have improved with some departments and units now able to manage the daily challenges of working in a hospital environment. This was no easy task particularly with limited resources in place. 

“Thanks to the Nursing Development Program Timorese nurses and midwives are now able to perform daily patient care, assessment and observation – which is all part of an improved understanding of the importance of patient focused care.” 

Nuno said that the capacity building programs were supporting and promoting better healthcare and services for Timorese people. 

“We’re seeing the development of strong leadership and comprehensive operational systems – which is all working towards a better future for the Timorese. 

Improvements have also been seen through the Pathology Development Program. 

“Another very important development was the establishment of a courier system which services community health clinics in Dili. It transports blood samples in a timely manner to and from the laboratory for processing. Transport is an issue in Timor-Leste and this service has stopped patients having to travel to the national hospital for blood tests,” he said. 

The capacity building programs in Timor-Leste have had success in influencing the education and training of nursing staff, health managers and leaders, and work continues to provide guidance and skills in order to enable the Timorese Ministry of Health and the national hospital to provide better quality care to its people. 

Nuno said he looks forward to continuing his career with SJGHC, working towards a better future for Timor-Leste.