May 2011
It is an exciting time for us as plans for the hospital continue to be refined. In that process some questions from a number of people about various aspects are helping us to make better decisions and to clarify the processes needed as we move forward. One of those questions is what does excellence in health care mean? Well for us it means a number of things:
First it means that everyone who comes to the hospital will be treated with respect and dignity. That is not often the case when the poor are involved. It does mean providing systems that allow for this to happen – it also means that social and cultural norms are part of practicing of excellence without losing excellence in medical treatments and vice versa.
Second it means providing excellence in the treatments that are available. It does not mean that we will have every medicine available to treat all ailments but what it does mean is that what treatments and medicines we have will be given and done with excellence.
Thirdly it means that we get the best personnel possible and train them in excellence.
So we have been busy putting some things in place. We are in process of searching out and appointing a medical Director. This will enable us to develop a clear movement forward in the deciding things such as equipment, personnel, etc.
A second very exciting aspect is the formation of a Scientific Committee, which will be headed up by Dr. Ing Kantha Phavi. We are interviewing a number of people for this committee, people with backgrounds in the various medical fields as well as research fields.
With the appointment of a Medical Director plus the Scientific Committee we will be able to develop a plan of action for what is needed in all aspects – with a priority being put on training – we would like to develop a permanent training schedule – one that will enable us to train Cambodian as well as International medical personnel on various aspects of treatments, medications, etc.
We are also busy with the architectural, mechanical and engineering plans for the building of the hospital. At each stage, there are discussions on what our vision is and how to enhance that vision – for example – flow of patients each day – how to make sure it is efficient, respectful and workable.
We are busy ensuring that Nokor Tep is protected under Cambodian systems and we have the beginning of a very strong board – there are 4 of us now – and that is good.
I feel that the way forward is good. Each day I am confronted with the health needs of the women we work with. I can help but think – only by God’s grace that this is not my situation. But for me – being thankful that I have access to health care may not excuse me from thinking of my neighbors. I am thankful for the privilege of being able to do something about it.
Janne
