Training nurses in Malawi

Nov 12 2008 by Iain Pollock, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

LAST WEEK Mrs Shirley Burns, senior lecturer, University of the West of Scotland, enlightened members of the NHS Retirement Fellowship on nurse education in Malawi, so described as the Malawi Project.

In an effort to develop the teaching programme in Malawi and so raise standards of care, a three-year funding originally from the Millennium Project, was awarded by the Scottish Government.

This enabled Scottish lecturers to impart their expertise to nurse training schools in Malawi which sadly lacked the most basic clinical equipment vital to learners to practice their skills.

Equipment in the form of computerised manikins was transported, allowing learners for example, to record blood pressures and listen to chest sounds. Other basic materials such as clinical thermometers were provided

Mentorship in the clinical situation in Malawi was found to be lacking and the advantages a need for supervision required to be addressed.

Nurses in Malawi work long hours for poor pay, if their colleagues fail to arrive to take over, they frequently work on, proving their dedication. Staff wastage is high as disease is rife and families have to be cared for.

Management and learners alike greatly appreciated the efforts of the Dumfries team and as a result ongoing interpersonal relationships have developed between the two countries.

Miss Peggy Grieve thanked Mrs Burns for her most interesting discourse and wished Mrs Burns and her team well in the future. Peggy’s remarks were suitably endorsed by the audience.

Following refreshments Miss Grieve conducted the business meeting welcoming new members to a gradually increasing number, 30 of whom were present.

Visits for the forthcoming year were discussed and of course Christmas celebrations.

December’s meeting will be on Monday 1 in the Aberdour Hotel at 2pm when A visit to Kurdistan will be described after which Christmas nibbles will be enjoyed.

All ex-NHS staff and spouses/partners will be warmly welcomed.