Shirati Hospital Project

Details of the Shirati mission - Oct. 4-Nov. 25, 2009

Computers
All computers donated by CACHA were set up in Accounting, Administration and the Diocese office, while 2 were designated as spares and 4 will be set up for general use, training and future internet applications. Memory sticks and all existing hospital computers were scanned and reinstalled to remove viruses and ensure proper operation with ongoing virus removal. The computer resource person, was trained one-to-one for 3 weeks to help maintain the integrity of the system. The network system and an internet cafe will be ready to be installed when the internet is purchased. 

Computer Training
35 staff was given a one day course in how to begin using a computer.

5 key people were given in-depth training in Microsoft Word and 3 in Excel.

2 reports were provided on how computers could be used to improve stock control in pharmacy and complete government forms.

Maintenance Projects
Sewer, water, electrical, lighting and solar systems were reviewed with the hospital director of maintenance, Samuel Ogoya. Water was found to be in short supply and a critical risk to the hospital with only 1 of 4 pumps working at the lake, the windmills not producing any water, and only one borehole providing limited water. A discussion was held with the chief technician for the community water system about ways to improve the pumping system, but it is recognized this is beyond the sphere of the hospital alone. A follow-up meeting by Lloyd Koch, with district council staff yielded a promise to purchase 3 new pumps immediately. The hospital confirmed in January 2010 that the pumps are now working.

The sewer was unblocked and advice provided to hospital staff on how to avoid future problems.

A hospital lighting survey showed monthly savings of about $333.00 could be achieved if 18 watt florescent bulbs were installed. The hospital purchased and installed the bulbs since payback for the bulbs was achieved in one month.

Electrical receptacles were replaced by hospital staff in 36 locations in critical areas to expand the availability of power where it is need on the wards, laboratory and operating theater. These were purchased by the CACHA team.

The solar lighting system used when the power is down was repaired with new batteries, a controller, and new bulbs, all purchased by the CACHA team at a cost of about $1,000.00

Additional solar panels could be added later to expand this reliable source of electricity.

Teaching English
For 3 weeks two team mmbers taught English to approximately 450 secondary students on a daily basis in the mornings at Katuru Secondary School. In the afternoons, 15 church staff as well as 25 hospital staff were intructed in primary classes.

For 5 additional weeks, 200 senior secondary students received English instruction and help in preparing for their examinations. 

Strategic Planning
Working within the parameters set by Dr. Chirangi, Hospital Medical Officer in Charge, and the Management Committee, Lloyd completed a strategic plan by interviewing about 70 hospital staff and board members as well as 10 representatives of external partners to get their ideas on how the hospital can be improved and what direction it should go for the next 3-5 years.

Government reports and strategic plans were reviewed as well as hospital statistics and reports. Drafts of the plan were reviewed by management committee and the Regional Medical Officer to ensure a convergence of strategies between government and the hospital. The Regional Medical Officer had very positive comments about the plan. The final report entitled “Future Directions” detailed nine strategic issues and an active plan to implement them over the next 5 years.

Summary of Donated Items
CACHA Shirati Team donated around $2,285.00 worth of supplies to Shirati Hospital:

Solar lights, wires, batteries, surge protector, electrical wires, sockets, switches, transformer, tools, internet wires, computer course books and copies of the Strategic Plan. 

There is an ongoing need to continue the task of improving hospital administrative and infrastructure services as well as teaching English to so many eager adults and students. Lloyd and Erla plan to go back to Shirati this fall to volunteer in their fields as well as to lead a 3 week hospital infrastructure team in October 2010 and a 2 week medical mission caravan in November 2010.

If you or anyone you know is interested in being a part of these teams, please contact Lloyd and Erla Koch through info@cacha.ca