Off to Soroti

April 7, 2010

Part of what The Gretta Foundation does is to tour nursing schools and hospitals to get a complete picture of the nursing and healthcare system in Uganda. We don't just want to just put nurses on the ground, we want to make sure that they receive a good education, and that we understand all the factors that play into "brain drain". One of the regions we had not explored was the northeast of Uganda. This region was affected by the war, drought, and recent mudslides. We departed early in the morning in anticipation of our five hour drive.

The drive in itself was enlightening as we passed through the slums of Kampala, then out into the country through rice, sugar cane, coffee, tea fields and across the Source of the Nile. The countryside is breathtaking. Everywhere you see the traditional round mud hut with the thatched roof. Everyone is out working in the fields with either hoe or ox and plough. The bikes too are loaded unbelievably high with every imaginable item including people. Other than a stop for gas, we drove straight through, arriving at the nursing school in Soroti after dodging potholes, goats, cows, pedestrians, bikes, and motorcycles. To drive in Uganda you have to have nerves of steel and be constantly aware of your surroundings.

This was my first complete assessment of a nursing school which included touring the dorms, library, kitchen, classrooms, and offices. The administration was very forthcoming about the challenges they face and were so gracious and generous with their time. Again, we found a recurring theme, 30 year old medical textbooks in short supply and skill labs that are woefully lacking. This further affirms our program that includes bolstering the infrastructure of the schools to make sure the nurses receive an appropriate education.

We then went to the local hospital at around 6pm and received a brief tour. On the approach to the hospital there is an amazing sight of hundreds of people camped out on the grounds either cooking, washing, sleeping or just patiently waiting. It is the responsibility of the family to provide food and linens for each patient and to care for the patient when the nurses can't.

We toured the OBGYN ward where those that had cesareans were given a bed; those that had given birth vaginally were on the floor. The chief nurse requested that we not take pictures because she didn't want people to get the wrong impression. The day staff had gone home and the night staff was much smaller. The ward was horribly understaffed even during the day. The beds and medical instruments were in terrible condition and terribly inadequate. This was so difficult to see. You honestly can't imagine what it is like to walk through these hospitals. This is the main hospital for the region too!

We asked how the student nurses from the nearby school assisted in the hospital. The girls did anything they were asked without hesitation. The boys would refuse many tasks. This reaffirmed what we have heard elsewhere. The boys tend to use the nursing education as a stepping stone to become doctors. Studies show that doctors are far more likely to migrate. It is also worth noting that the principal lamented not being able to interview the students coming in on government sponsorships (which was a significant percentage of her student body). The TGF scholars are screened and interviewed to assure that only those that are passionate about becoming nurses receive sponsorship.

We met with the director of the hospital and he spoke about the devotion of the entire staff. The staff they have cultivated, although woefully inadequate, works as a team to give the best possible care. Even the guards help move patients into beds. I can't imagine what it must be like to face the daunting tasks day after day. This is truly a calling for all of them.

Exhausted and hungry, we found a hotel in town (wouldn't even get a AAA one star rating but it had a flush toilet) and a delicious goat stew , matooke, chapatti and Bell beer. We collapsed into bed under our mosquito nets. Another full day and another to come.

Good night for now!