"I first heard of HealthCare Outreach when a friend of mine went to Papua New Guinea with a team a few years back. He returned with great photos, experiences and lifelong memories. Then more recently I remember hearing the excitement in the voices of two friends who had returned from their annual visit to Nepal. It would seem that volunteering and making a difference is an infectious way of life for my friends, and I would tend to concur.
Taking teams of up to 50 people, transporting tonnes of equipment, and working in developing countries in unfamiliar surroundings is a logistical effort in its own right. Couple this with financial expenses now counted annually in millions not thousands, and you have a phenomenal example of the collaboration of the volunteer spirit. Coming from a business and part-time philanthropic background, it is a tremendously exciting time to be personally involved with HealthCare Outreach as we reflect on twenty three years of success, and as we also look to the future of the program.
2010 will no doubt bring new opportunities and challenges as we build stronger relationships and work more effectively with the countries we currently support, we respond to the requests and needs of countries we are yet to visit, and to raise the necessary funds required to meet the ever increasing needs. My heartfelt thanks go to all our financial supporters and volunteers for the work that goes on during one year in HealthCare Outreach, and I look forward to making a difference again with you during 2010."
Michael Were
HealthCare Outreach Manager
Sydney Adventist Hospital
“It’s amazing to be a member of a volunteer team of so many medical professionals from all around Australia. So many of the team have not even previously met yet on every trip team members so quickly and effectively bond and work together, united in the goal to give these patients in developing countries the best possible care. Operations are complex, challenging and lengthy. At every stage team members prepare and stabilise patients for a rapid recovery and discharge. The resilience shown by these children and young adults is truly awe-inspiring. For me, it’s so personally rewarding to witness the joy and happiness of families as people they love are given a new chance at life.”
Melanie Windus
HealthCare Outreach Coordinator
Sydney Adventist Hospital
Why Our Volunteers Volunteer
“During our trip, I checked on the progress of Than, one of our patients from 2007. Than finished high school gaining the highest marks for his year, and is now at university in Myanmar studying medicine. He said that he thinks of us a lot particularly on the anniversary of the procedure. I told him that we have great hopes that he will become a cardiologist and learn to do these procedures himself one day!”
Denise Grant
“It was great to meet up with the dedicated medical staff of Yangon and the great and diverse team from Australia again. It serves to remind us of how complex our systems are, and also to value our own health system.”
Dr Bruce Bastian
“When I first went to Nepal I couldn't believe the severe problems that many Nepali people have as a result of untreated burns. My heart ached and my hands itched to do something for them.”
Dr David Pennington
“I love going to help those who are unable to get help other wise. We make a difference to their physical life which enables the rest of their life to change, and it makes a difference to our life, as we get a great joy out of being in a position to be able to help.”
Glenys Chapman
“Operation Open Heart is an eye opening experience which makes me appreciate what medical services and resources we have in Australia. We don’t know how lucky and fortunate we are. The people in Fiji are fantastic.”
Taulau Penu
“Travelling and working in Fiji with the Fijians was amazing. They were so eager to help and learn, and when I read the histories of my patients, I knew that I was making a large contribution to their lives. With the kids in particular, I knew that I was helping the m to live an active life like all kids should be able to.”
Cathy Smith
“It is great to see the keen response from the local staff, and the thirst for knowledge. Some of them come from a great distance to gain some experience in this speciality. Initially they struggle, but it is great to see those who are building on their knowledge and becoming great ICU nurses. They still do not have invasive monitoring in their own ICU, and their practice will improve when this is introduced. It is planned for the near future”.
Margaret Bresnahan
“Tonga was a very rewarding experience; the patients and staff were extremely helpful and appreciated our work. The one thing that meant the most to me was that there are no more patients needing heart surgery in Tonga.”
Ingrid Peppou
