9 December 2016
Last week, a group of medical specialists from the UK visited Gaza in the latest MAP and IDEALS Limb Reconstruction surgical mission. This programme of support started in response to the high number of orthopaedic injuries caused by the 2014 attacks on Gaza.
This latest mission was the most comprehensive to date, comprising lower limb, upper limb and paediatric orthopaedic specialties. Their caseload for the week included examining 52 individuals, some of whom were being followed-up from previous visits, and a large number who were new cases.
The visiting British medics worked alongside their Palestinian counterparts at the newly-established Shifa Hospital Limb Reconstruction Unit. Thanks to funds generously provided my MAP supporters, together they were able to operate across four theatres, performing 15 surgeries in just two days.
The limb reconstruction programme is designed not only to provide direct care to injured patients, but also to ensure that Palestinian surgeons and medics are able to access the training and skills they need to provide high-quality care in Gaza. The surgical team visiting with MAP and IDEALS therefore provided on-the-job training to the Shifa Hospital staff, as well as running a medical symposium for 70 Palestinian medics.
Israel’s nearly decade-long blockade and closure of Gaza severely restricts the ability of healthcare professionals to travel out to undertake training, and so bringing trainers in from countries like the UK is vital to ensure Palestinian doctors, nurses, technicians and other staff can keep their skills up-to-date.
Thanks to the dedication of the staff at Shifa Hospital and the time and energy of the visiting surgical team the reputation of Gaza’s first dedicated Limb Reconstruction Unit is growing, and many more Palestinians will benefit from its specialised care in future.
MAP is only able to undertake this work thanks to the kind support of people like you. If you would like to support our medical work for Palestinians affected by conflict, occupation and displacement please consider making a donation today.
Featured image: The team discuss cases at Al Shifa Hospital, Gaza.