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All four teams were anxious to get back to their respective hospitals this morning to check on their patients and begin more surgery. My day started at Yankin children’s Hospital […]

Getting down to business

Patient reviews, teaching, and spending money

Welcome back

Touchdown in Myanmar for the 29th time

A heart of Gold

It is Russell Lee's last project as a Project Coordinator after 30 years.

Winding down

The project is winding down for the week and the patients are making their way to the ward.

Where the action unfolds

Theatre is where it all happens...

An electric buzz in the air

There is an electric buzz in the air, something I like to call "Open Heart International"

Teaching, Learning, Repeat

Teaching is the major part of our project goals in Papua New Guinea.

No ulterior motives

Day two in PNG and two patients are in ICU transitioning to the ward.

A pretty special place

A team of 17 volunteers have arrived in PNG to provide paediatric cardiac surgery.

2016-2017 Annual Review

We are very excited to be able to present the 2016-2017 Annual Review. “Ourcapacity to respond and ourprogram activity has continued to evolveand expandthis year. We added a new location […]

Always flexible

The team have had a successful training course the week before the main team arrived.

Thankfulness

Many of the families are thankful to the team for the surgery their family member has received.

Working in Unison

The team are working well together to ensure the best outcome for our patients, it is all about best practice!

Joining together

The team of 32 volunteers have arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania for OHI's last project of 2017.

Clean up and pack down

The team are packing up and finalising the clean-up and resources to leave behind for the hospital. This year Open Heart International (OHI) received a generous donation of a microscope […]

Last day of surgery

It has been a very busy eight days for the Open Heart International team with 84 patients receiving life changing surgery.

Not a typical weekend

It was not a typical weekend for two of our volunteers who headed out to meet up with past patients.

The end of a week

At the end of our first week here in the Philippines the team have completed over 60 eye surgeries.

Giving back

Dr Geoffrey Painter is one of the pioneering members for this project...

The road to sight

An insight into a non-medical perspective

All systems go!

The team are busy screening patients ready for surgery

The beginning…

The team of 7 arrive safely in the Philippines to under go eye surgery

Packing time

The team have finished their cases with 22 people receiving life changing surgery

Hearts and Minds

School-based screening program identifying heart conditions in Tongan children.

Leading with heart

The Honourable Minister of Health Dr Said Ma'u Piukala sat down to talk OHI.

Smiles and Laughter

The ward is buzzing with plenty of post-op patients

Working from the heart

Dr Liz is one of our surgeons from Papua New Guinea who has joined the team in Tonga.

Final Farewell to David Baines

It is David Baines last hurrah after 26 years of volunteering

A magical evening

The team experience a magical evening in Tonga

Adult week comes to an end

The adult week has come to a close, but the paediatric week has begun!

The heart team

The atmosphere of the team is great with everyone working together.

Apprehension and Hope

Paediatric week commences and Adult surgery continues.

Engaging with community spirit

The surgeries are in full swing and the team are loving the Tongan hospitality.

The Tongan team comes together

The main adult team are in Tonga ready to begin.

Glenys Chapman Scholarship now open

Applications welcome from San New Graduate Nurses

A patient’s journey

A day in the life of a patient.

Until next time

The farewells, packing and final handovers are all underway for the teams departure today.

Last day of cases

Friday saw the last day of cases for the team in PNG and 11 children have received life-changing surgery.

Little hearts on the mend

After one last case yesterday all the little hearts are on the mend...

Pumping Blood…Perfusion

Lindy is a first time volunteer with OHI but volunteering is not a foreign concept for her...

A huge ‘tenkyu’

Alot of effort has been put in by a number of people to make this project possible...

Teaching and learning come hand in hand

The OHI team are doing a wonderful job of teaching and the local team are doing an exceptional job of learning

Leading the way

The local staff are leading the way with patient care and management

First timers in Papua New Guinea

There are a few first time volunteers with our team in Papua New Guinea.

Friends both old and new

There are veteran volunteers and newbies...

Full steam ahead

Everyone is getting into the routine in Papua New Guinea.

Day one of operations complete

The first day of surgery is done and dusted.

The team have landed!

The team of 20 volunteers have arrived safe and sound in PNG ready for a week worth of cardiac surgery

Final words for Fiji 2017

Melanie Windus, Project Coordinator has some final words on the 2017 OHI Fiji project.

An amazing week

Dr Subodh Ganu is a paediatric Intensivist from South Australia, who has had the pleasure of joining the OHI team for a second time.

A jolly good time

Krystal Jolly is a first time volunteer with Open Heart International and reflects on the past weeks experience.

New Beginnings

There are new beginnings all around with first time volunteers from NZ experiencing Open heart International, as well as our 800th Patient in Fiji having life changing surgery.

Special Reminder

The Fiji project is always a special reminder for our volunteers

Challenges Conquered

After a number of hiccups along the way, the team are powering full steam ahead - unstoppable!

20th and final trip to Fiji for Dr David Baines

David Baines has been a long-term volunteer of Open Heart International and it is his final trip to Fiji after attending 20 projects.

Screening team return from FIji

Last week a team of seven volunteers travelled to Fiji to complete the screening in time for the surgical team in June.

47 Patients

A summary of another very successful year for the Burns team 2017.

Yesterday the team preformed surgery not on a burns patient but a young girl who was injured in the 2015 Nepal earthquake and had a skin contracture. She lives in Sindulpalchok which was the Epi Centre of the Earthquake, here is Soniya's story.

First week concluded, second week commencing!

The Nepal burns project is well underway with the first week concluding and the second week commencing in full swing.

Surgery is underway

Assessments are over and the team has begun surgery

28 new Volunteers arrive in Nepal

The Nepal Women's health team has finished and the Burns surgery team have arrived for another 2 weeks of surgery.

Team Reflections

Why are we here?

Surgery is only half the goal

We teach as well as treat

Rina’s story

Difficult access to healthcare has devastating social impact

Life outside of work

Getting some fresh air

Getting in to gear

The team goes about business like a well oiled machine

Touchdown at last

After months of planning, we're back in Nepal

Patients are coming from far and wide

Jakaya Kiwere Cardiac Institute is the biggest national referral Hospital.

Same cause

The team are back in Dar es Salaam and are partnering with Mending Kids this project

What a day looks like in Myanmar

A snap shot of what a day looks like over three Hospitals.

The Stories

There are plenty of stories that come hand in hand with our projects

Different Hospitals, Same Country

A busy couple of days in Myanmar.

We are back again

The team is back in Myanmar, starting off 2017 for Open Heart International.

Volunteer Administrative Assistant

We are looking for a volunteer to assist in our day-to-day management!

cardiologist: Dr Daniel Mclennan

Dr Daniel McLennan is our cardiologist who returned to Tanzania on our most recent project

Intensivist: Dr Simon Erickson

Dr Simon Erickson, a paediatric Intensivist on the mission to Tanzania shares his highlights of the project.

Wrapping up the project to Tanzania

And that is a wrap for Tanzania 2016

Great news – second lot has arrived!

Great news, the second lot of consumables have arrived.

Getting into the rhythm

The team are getting into the rhythm, all working well together

First day of surgery

surgery is underway in Tanzania

Preperation complete

The setup and preparation is complete for the surgeries to begin.

Different Tasks

The team have all come together to get everything set up for surgery tomorrow.

The first arrivals

The first of the team have started arriving in Dar Es Salaam for the final project for the year

Farewell Cambodia

After 10 amazing years and 11 projects, the Cambodia cardiac project has finished.

At the end of the day

10 children have received life changing surgery

An international wonder in itself

The United Nations of the Operating Theatre

Like an ants nest

Is the body really like an ants nest?

Laughter is the best medicine

Keeping patients active is the priority.

The baby with no name

By the light of a torch

The Need

The screening process continues, and the first surgery is underway.

A special place in our hearts

The team return for the final project visit in Cambodia

Brave Boy

The day after surgery

Life

The selection process has been completed and surgery has begun

The Choice

The team are selecting patients for surgery

The Journey Across

The journey to Myanmar

Big Hearts, Busy Hands

Great things begin with big dreams but it takes unwavering determination, big hearts and incredible generosity to bring them to fruition. Such was the case with Open Heart International’s Bolivia […]

One Heart Many Hands

It has been a huge week for the OHI team here in Cochambamba, Bolivia

A moving story

A life changed...

A new day, a New case…or two

Another day of surgery in Bolivia for the 11 Australian medical volunteers

We have arrived!

The team of 11 medical volunteers have arrived safely in Cochabamba

OHI to join forces with ADRA Australia

Open Heart International and ADRA Australia are joining forces

Papua New Guinea July trip postponed

In consultation with our colleagues at Port Moresby General Hospital, Open Heart International has made a decision to aboard the scheduled delivery to Port Moresby later on this week.

Cambodia Cardiac Project Ceasing

October 2016 will be Open Heart International's last cardiac visit to Angkor Hospital for Children

How we role

We have 10 volunteers in India, here is a quick overview of each of their roles for the team

Settling in

The team have recently arrived on the first trip ever to India and are getting acquainted with the city.

Harvesting Hope

Gazing upon the plains of Old Bagan, Myanmar in the early morning is breath-taking. While intricately designed temples and pagodas dot the landscape, it is the vast canvas of the […]

13 cases

13 Children has received life changing surgery in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Tanzanian Surgeon

Dr Godwin Sharau is Tanzania's first paediatric cardiac surgeon.

Godson

Godson is one of the patients this year in Tanzania

You are the One

Wendy Corkill is our Intensive Care team leader in Dar es Salaam

Prosper

16 month old Prosper has had his operation and his Mother now hopes for a bright future.

Little Hearts

Open Heart International's team overlaps with a similar project - Little Hearts.

Mercy

Mercy is one of the first patient's opearted on by Open Heart International in Tanzania this year

Beatrice

And the post op's in Tanzania are coming into ICU

Dr Ian Nicholson

I am no Charles Wooley, but I am humbled to be able to tell Dr Ian Nicholson’s story. To paint a picture; Dr Nicholson has received an Order of Australia, […]

Wilfred & Lightness

The team have arrived in Tanzania and are about to operate on their first patients

In light of Anzac Day

Jen Evans, one of Open Heart International's long term volunteers talks about her time in the Navy and contributing to OHI.

‘The Bachelor’ made me do it

Media volunteer Brittany Dupree shares on how she became involved with Open Heart International

Tanzania

Onesmo Mhewa, along with paediatric Surgeon Godwin Sharau, and cardiologist Naizihiiwa Mnong’one joined the team in Rwanda and will now host the team in Tanzania this week.

LikLik

One of our well traveled OHI volunteers - Lisa Perrett

Wrap up Dinner

The team attend an offical celebratory dinner held by the Rwandese hosts.

Happy Judith

Judith Kyengo, one of the Nursing Unit Manager at the King Faisal Hospital is always happy to see the Open Heart International team return

Football Lover

Jean Lucky Prince Ntwali is a footballer lover like a lot of 6 year old Rwandan boys

Kevin

Kevin is one of our older patients this year

Annie from India

Our perfusionist had never left her home town in India before this trip.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to two of our volunteers

Playful Esther

Esther is one of our very playful kids on the wards

Little Nora

Nora Ahirwe has experienced difficulty breathing since she was born over a year ago.

Breathing Better

One of our youngest patients this year is currently recovering well on the ward

Last stop East Africa, before an around the world trip

Hannah Coffey is our Physiotherapist for East Africa

Checking In

checking in on Rwanda's first patient for 2016

Failure to Thrive

Remy Nkurunziza is too small for his age of five, which is known as “failure to thrive”, because his congenital heart condition has stunted his growth. He underwent surgery on […]

This is Philbert

Meet Philbert one of our little patients in Rwanda

On a mission, with a mission

Our volunteers come from all over the world. Teresa Duncan is our paediatric Intensivist volunteer in Rwanda.

Steph’s Story

Steph, one of Open Heart International's volunteers shares on how she came to volunteer with us.

Our Sunday Best

Some of the OHI Volunteers get a taste of the local Rwandan church.

Picking Patients

A little insight into how the process of patient selection works.

Surgery Success

The first day of surgery in Rwanda is complete.

Let it begin!

The team have arrived in Kigali and set up has begun.

Fiji Cancellation

Fiji Cardiac project 2016

The week That Was

Reflecting on a week in Cambodia

Through the eyes of an Anaesthetist

Kenny Lewis is Anaesthetist at the Sydney Adventist Hospital and it is first time volunteering with Open Heart International.

Whose heart is being repaired?

Some lessons have to be experienced rather than taught

Nepal Update

Patients just keep flowing in

Namaste from Nepal

The Women's Health team already down to business.

Going the extra mile

It is the little things that make the difference

Back in Cambodia

The first of two visits to Siem Reap in 2016

Fiji: The Eye of the Cyclone

It was early in the afternoon on Saturday February 20. George and his family had just returned from church up the road in Naqia village on the eastern side of […]

Reflection

The project has come to an end with all volunteers returning home to Australia

Fiji: Navesau Teacher can still manage a smile

“At least I have free air conditioning now.” Talk about looking on the bright side. John is a teacher from Navesau on Viti Levu, Fiji’s main island. During the wild […]

An unusual start to the day

Wednesday started off a little different to most days, with an earthquake before we even left the room for breakfast. It was only a 4.5 but from the 15thfloor we […]

Observing

It is day three in Myanmar with plenty happening around the different hospitals

Hello from Myanmar!

After all the team arrived safely on Sunday we met together for dinner which was hosted by several of the doctors from the Military hospital. The next morning, with great […]

Fiji Braces for Cyclone Winston

A category fivetropical cyclonebearing down on Fiji threatens to devastate the country. Urgent assistance is needed. Donate now. Cyclone Winston is travelling westward and is predicted to make landfall early […]

PNG’s Perfusionist

Norman is PNG's home-grown perfusionist

Last Days

Surgery complete for this visit

Kiasha is staying on

There is further exploration of PNG to be done..

The road to recovery

Rebekah Barry joins the Open Heart International (OHI) team this year as the physiotherapist. Rebekah is based at Prince Charles hospital in Brisbane and normally works with a mixture of […]

A day in the life of…

Each day brings it's joys, challenges and routine.

First steps on the ward

With a number days of surgery behind us both patients from our first day of surgery have taken their first steps out onto the ward! Rebekah Barry the team physio […]

New addition to the team

Ariane Annicq is one of our new additions to the OHI volunteering team.

Education and Surgery

Education is a key part of Open Heart International's project in Papua New Guinea.

Loading in

The first project for Papua New Guinea is under way

Kym Stuart receives Order of Australia

Member (AM) awarded for significant service to nursing

Continued adventures in Tanzania

continued adventures in Tanzania with Jessica, Daniel, Naiz and Phil

Screening in Tanzania

Screening team in Tanzania getting ready for 2016

Le Tour de Cambodia

We welcomed the Ride For Hearts team to the Hospital

Kym’s 50th!

Kym's Big 50! And no I'm not talking about her birthday...

Inside the Operating Theatre

Happy Thursday readers! The city seems to come alive with more hustle and bustle with each day, and the team like to follow in suit, as we are well in […]

Welcome to Cambodia!

A team of 28 volunteers have arrived in Cambodia to assist Angkor Hospital for Children for the week.

State Finalist for Australian of the Year

Dr Ian Nicholson was today announced as a NSW finalist in the Australian of the Year Awards.

Support us for FREE with Shopnate

Shop for a cause- A new and free way to support us!

Farewell Tonga

And that is the end of the 2015 project

Think Quick

Trouble shooting is all part of what we do

Nothing short of a Miracle

Atunaisa had a 50/50 chance of survival, now he is going to be discharged

Adult week

Adult week has begun with two patients already in ICU after surgery

The halfway mark

17 cases complete and half way through our Tonga visit

The ward is coming to life!

The ward is coming to life with eight post-op patients, four to be discharged today.

Friendly Island

It's not just marketing spiel, it is true!

A Mother’s Love

For many patients this process will be nothing but a distant memory in a few months time.

Take off

It is the biennial trip to Tonga with a team of 49

The Four Susu’s

Out of 27 volunteers 4 of these were Susan's (with various spelling).

PNG partnership and pack up begins

Next year Open Heart International will be returning to Papua New Guinea to work on both paediatric and adult cardiac services two times.

Day in Theatre

Thursday I had the chance to hop into the theatre and spend some time watching a procedure as well as chatting to the staff from both OHI and the local […]

Intensivist: Simon Erickson

This is Intensivist Dr Simon Erickson's 13th trip to PNG

Down time

Plenty of work with a little bit of down time to see the sights around PNG

A bright future

Dr Cornelia Kilalang is a paediatric cardiologist at Port Morseby General Hospital

Transition from ICU to the Ward

6 kids have been transferred from ICU to the ward

Long History in PNG

This is Open Heart International's 22nd trip to Papua New Guinea

New Kids on the Block: Liz Lombardi

Liz is a first time volunteer with Open Heart International.

And we are off!

A team of 27 volunteers have arrived safely in Papua New Guinea

Fijian Hospitality

Beautiful country, beautiful people

36 patients

36 patients have received life-changing surgery in 6 days of operations.

Maizy is back home

One of our volunteers returns to her birth country

Rebecca’s world

Rebecca Karraz shares her first-time experiences

Bula from Fiji!

Getting in the groove in Suva

First Timer

First timer, Dominic McCall joins the Eye surgery team in the Philippines

Kid’s Day

Today is when a group of volunteers operate on kids that are unable to afford cataract surgery

Every problem has a solution

It's not always as simple as it seems

Back again

4th visit to the Philippines is well underway

Wrapping up

The team have finished up for the Tanzania project

Antke’s making it happen

It is people on the grounds like Antke that help make projects possible

Mr Fix it

Our Biomedical engineer La is often known as "Mr Fix it" as he fixes blood gas machines to coffee machines.

In full flight

Four operations have been completed and the freight has been cleared by customs

And we are off and running

The first day of surgery has been completed in Tanzania

Laying the Groundwork: Preparation for surgery in Mwanza

The team are in East Africa for only the second project to ever take place in Tanzania.

Entertainment Book 2015/16

Support Open Heart International by purchasing an entertainment book for 2015/2016

Reflections on Cambodia

Another great trip with another great group of volunteers

Seeing past patients

It is always nice to see past patients come back and how well they are doing

Education in Burn prevention

Treat the burn before the contracture starts

Reality in Nepal

Unfortunately burns happen more frequently in Nepal than you may think. Read some of the patients stories from this year.

A collective big heart

A life changing experience watching heart surgery

A Big Heart

It is a roller-coaster of emotions on the trip, but one well worth it.

A whirlwind of emotions

Jennifer Vinton, one of Open Heart International's regular sponsors, visits Cambodia.

First day of screening complete

The cardiac team lands in Cambodia, and first day of screening is complete.

Farewell Nepal

The Women's Health team heads home

On the homeward stretch in Banepa

Only two days left of surgery for the Nepal Women's health team

A journey to the far west

A small team have travelled to the fast west of Nepal to visit a local Hospitals

In Full Swing

Day three and already 28 Nepalese women have received life changing surgery

Arrived and ready to work

The team are now in their second day of assessments and surgery

What a journey!

The team have had an interesting journey to even get to Nepal, now for the project to start.

Thank You And Goodbye For Now

The first trip is over for 2015

Teaching in Myanmar

One of our volunteers, Ian Moore teaches the staff in ICU at Yankin Children's Hospital.

Visiting North Okkalapa Hospital

A few of the team were invited to visit another Hospital in Yangon

Three years in ICU

Making do at Yangon General

Hawaiian Anaesthetists

Similar fashion by day and by night

Angio in Yangon General

The Angiography team in Myanmar have had a busy start to the week.

Home away from home

A lot of our volunteers have been to Myanmar many times making it their second home

First trip for 2015

A team of 33 volunteers are in Myanmar providing training in three hospitals throughout Myanmar.

Virtual Valentines

Show them what's in your heart, by fixing someone else's

Volunteers recognised in Australia day awards

Two of Open Heart International's volunteers have received a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia

Shop Online and support Open Heart International for free!

Shop for a cause- A new and free way to support us!

A surgeon’s perspective

Dr Yishay Orr is a paediatric cardiac surgeon travelling with the team to Tanzania

Working together for the cause

New projects require plenty of support from like-minded people

New Blood

Daniel shares what it means to be in Tanzania.

The new project is well underway

The first day of surgery is under our belt with three operations complete.

Getting a feel for Tanzania

The team are getting familiar with Tanzania, meeting the staff and getting to know the hospital.

The 15 hour journey by road

13 of the team took the journey by road to take equipment across to Tanzania

Celebrating life

Today is the last day of surgery and at the end of the day there will be 18 completed operations

The joys of OHI

Darren Wolfers is our newest Project Coordinator

Last minute

It was a last minute rush to get Nicole to Rwanda, but she is loving the experience.

Pumping Blood

Today felix had his VSD repaired

Felix

Felix is only 15 months old and is scheduled for open heart surgery today

Getting familiar

The team has arrived and ready for the first day of surgery

New Beginnings

The screening and set up team have arrived in Kigali for another year of cardiac surgery

100% Dedication, 100% Impressive

Another year is nearly over with another successful Cambodian trip.

Vath’s second surgery

We first met Vath in March last year, he came back to have his second and final surgery.

Waiting 11 years

12 year-old Yim has been waiting 11 years for this life changing surgery

“Instantly hooked” on Volunteering

Working in ICU for Michelle is a rewarding part of her job

Crafty in Cambodia

Having fun is a great step to recovery!

Chea gets his first bike

The OHI team take the time to visit one of their favourites

Let the games begin..

Another Cambodian adventure starts tomorrow

A big thank you!

The team has been home for a few weeks now, Chris Waite, the Myanmar Project Coordinator says a big thank you to all involved.

A great couple of days

It has been a great couple of days in Myanmar with the transfer of skills to the local team.

Trip number 17

Open Heart International make their 17th trip to Myanmar

2UE Radio interview

Michael Were, manager of Open Heart International is interviewed on 2UE radio station.

Mosman Rotary International Night

The Mosman Rotary Club recently celebrated their 10 year partnership with us at Open Heart International Myanmar.

All good things must come to an end – until next year that is

Another year comes to an end in Nepal for the Burns surgery team. All trips are filled with all different types of emotions.

How do all these cases come about?

Take a look into the life of a Nepali family and see why so many burn cases occur.

Fiji trip cancellation

In conjunction with the Fiji Ministry of Health, and after much consideration Open Heart International has decided to cancel the planned surgical visit in May 2014.

5000th Patient – Nishant

April marked the 5000th Patient for Open Heart International, what an achievement!

5000th Patient

Today marks the 5000th Patient for Open Heart International, what an achievement!

Our time has come to an end

Another year is over in the Philippines with 153 patients having their sight restored.

The Local Investment

OHI Philippines major goal is to make the project self sufficient at Adventist Hospital Santiago City.

A full house

Things happen a little differently in the Philippines, the chapel has turned into a patient overnight dormitory.

Final words from Cambodia

The project coordinator, Fiona takes a moment to reflect on this years achievements

Assessment Day

Over 100 patients were assessed today, 40 of these cases will have surgery which begins tomorrow.

Binwican Family Return

The Binwican family return to have a check up and thank the team.

First 48 Hours

The first 48 hours of the Nepal Burns Team trip for 2014 has seen tired eyes and polo shirts lead the agenda.

On the grounds

There are always special people who work behind the scenes to make a trip happen

A new outlook on life

5 year old Shaira receives sight as well as a full chance at life.

Flying remote

The team travel to a remote village to find people who are suffering from avoidable blindness.

Busking for a cause

Our youngest OHI sponsor busked around Sydney raising money for one little girl in Cambodia to receive heart surgery.

Restoring sight

The team are setting into a nice rhythm at the Adventist Hospital Santiago City in the Philippines

On the home straight

Only two days left of operation before the team start heading home

It can’t be over already

The week flew by in Cambodia and the goodbyes had started before they knew it

Magical Moment

It can be providing personal care bags, smiling at a patient or taking a photo then asking them their story. It sometimes starts off as a small act but so often can make the world of difference.

A day in the life of a Nurse

Gain some insight into what a day looks like for two of our volunteer recovery nurses

Relief after 30 years

A Nepali women receives surgery after 30 years

A sweet farewell so soon

Only after three days two of our patients are going home

Working in the shadows of the Himalayas

The theatre list is almost full, but the determination of the team is going strong

Nameste from Nepal

The Nepal Women's health team are now in full swing

Off to a flying start

All is travelling smoothly in Cambodia with six successful surgeries

And so it begins…

The Cambodian team have begun screening to determine the patient list

On the road again

OHI Cambodia are off again and are all really excited to be back on the road again.

What 10 years looks like

Celebrating 10 years in Myanmar

Helping the wheels turn

Everyone contributes to the Myanmar team, met the biomed team

Rotary comes to the party

Sophie Stone, the President of the Paramus Sunrise Rotary Club, USA comes for a visit.

A day in Yangon

What's an average day like in Myanmar?

The Rowan Nicks scholarship

Giving young surgeons the learning opportunity of a lifetime

The waiting game

The families wait as the pre-operative screening is done

Pre-operative screening

The medical team meet together to discuss the possible cases

Needles and Haystacks

Unpacking and setting up

Touch down in Myanmar

The team have arrived in Yangon and have started their work across three major hospitals.

Expansion plans for 2014

Two new projects being planned

Gearing up and getting excited!

The Myanmar team is departing

Order of Australia Awards for two volunteers

Dr. Ian Nichoslon and Dr. James Pollitt recognised by Govenor-General

2012-2013 Annual Report

Latest Annual Report now available

Russty’s Wrap-Up for Rwanda 2013…and a brief visit to Tanzania

Rwanda Project Coordinator Russell, gives his end of year wrap up.

The Beginning of the End

Our time in Kigali draws to a close.

Cooperation & Learning

Mentoring, communication and working together all adds an element to the team's success

Why volunteer: we ask the Newbies

Find out what it is like to volunteer with us directly from those on their first OHI trip.

A Tough Tuesday

Tuesday proved to be a challenging day for the OHI team, for a number of reasons.

Helping in different ways

The Cuddle Cushions are a great asset to the recovery of the kids in ICU

Following Francisco

Members of the OHI team visit the Missionaries of Charity orphanage in Kigali to follow a patient.

The Patient’s Journey

The steps a OHI patient goes through.

Getting to work

The first few days in Kigali are all about organisation and unpacking.

Cardiac Surgery for beginners

A snapshot of the congenital cardiac conditions OHI operate on

Getting there

Travelling with 80kg excess baggage and arriving in Kigali.

The final Wrap up!

Final words from the Cambodian Project Coordinator.

The Best Surprise you could ever wish for!

A previous patient returns for surprise visit

Homeward Bound

It's not good-bye, it's see you later

The Wind Down

Time to reflect on a week in Siem Reap

Out and About

Life outside the Hospital in Yangon

Give, Give and More Give

We hear some of the team's stories on fundraising and giving...

On the mend

Myanmar patients making a quick recovery

So far so good

The Project Coordinator's insight into the project so far

Monique goes to Theatre

Our blogger spends a day in the operating room.

Yankin gets underway

The first patients are operated on at Yankin Hospital.

Cambodia surgery commences

The team scrubs in for a big week

Return to Yangon

The team is back in Yangon

Bound for Cambodia

The team is headed back to Cambodia

The countdown to Rwanda has begun

Packing for the 2013 Open Heart International Rwanda trip began on Sunday.

The General ICU

What exactly are we doing there?

Arvin has Passed

Dr Karu receives a surprise and welcome announcement

Aloha in Papua New Guinea

We have two Hawaiian's joining our team this year in PNG.

On the Cardiac Ward

On the road to recovery, this is their last Aussie stop.

Inside the Cardiac ICU

Caring for patients at their most vulnerable

A Few Words From Uncle Matty

Matt Crawford, our intensivist/anaesthetist gives his thoughts on the last 20 years of OHI in PNG

Our Surgical Team

An insight into the operating theatre and the dedicated team behind it

A Physio’s Trick Bag

Rosie Day our physiotherapist gives us an insight into her work with the team

A Word from Perfusion

Hayden Dando reflects on being a perfusionist with OHI

Deep Dive – An Evening with Dr. Glenn Singleman

A multimedia presentation on his experiences as part of James Cameron's DeepSea Challenge Expedition.

The Anaesthetics Team

Our amazing anaesthetics team are the first team to help our patients.

The Welcoming

The team and the welcome party at the Yacht Club.

The Main Team Arrives

The main team has landed in Port Moresby.

Educating the Locals

Trying to create a self-sufficient program in Papua New Guinea.

Education is important

Further education of the local Fijian nurses improves the level of nursing care.

Walking down the aisle

Patients often gain more than just their health after surgery.

Lucky Number 7(00)

The patients are more than just numbers to the OHI team.

Kumar & Kumar

Fiji cardiac patients now able to provide for their families

Mother’s Day with a difference

We're celebrating Mother's Day in Fiji.

Up and Away!

The equipment and staff have left for Tonga about to start what will be another successful Open Heart International visit.

It’s showtime

The team has all assembled in Fiji and ready to commence

The Load Out

It is the end of the Rwandan Open Heart International trip and the logistical puzzle is back to get the equipment home.

The Ward And My Day

Musings from Eleanor Mennie on life in Rwanda and the patients currently on the ward.

Welcome to the PICU

Insight into the pediatric intensive care unit and the challenges they can face.

Welcome To The Operating Theatres

Insight into the operating theatres and surgical teams during the Rwandan Open Heart International trip.

A Thought For The Parents

While the focus of Open Heart International is on the cardiac patients, the families and parents of these patients carry the stress and worry.

What It’s All About – Changing Lives

Insight into how heart conditions affect the quality of life of those suffering and the difference surgery makes.

Caring For your Community Rwandan Style

Community spirit in Rwanda is fostered through community service work.

A Flying Visit

Sometimes Open Heart International isn't the only event taking place at the King Faisal Hospital.

The Learning Curve

The success of a trip relies on excellent volunteers and includes biomedical engineers to keep the equipment working.

ICU Setup

As the team arrive at the King Faisal Hospital in Rwanda, the logistics of equipment and care are organised.

The Cath Lab and CCU

More than just heart surgery, Open Heart International performed Angiograms, Angioplasties, Implantable Defibrillators, Atrial Septal Defect closures and Pacemaker insertions during their time in Myanmar.

Taking a Breath

The success of a trip relies on the excellent volunteers and includes ICU nurses and Physiotherapists.

Anaesthetics Conference Participation

Open Heart International Team anaesthetics presented at the 10th Biennial Congress of Myanmar Society of Anesthesiologists.

Education OHI Style

Open Heart International in Myanmar provides many education opportunities so local health practitioners improve their knowledge and best practices.

Paediatric Anaesthetics

The success of a trip relies on the excellent volunteers like Paediatric Anaesthetist, Matt Crawford.

An Ambassador’s Visit

Bronte Moules, who is the Australian Ambassador in Myanmar, visited Yangon Military Hospital while the Open Heart International team was in town.

Biomedical and Pathology Technicians

Inside Yangon General Hospital and more information about the people that help make Open Heart International trips a success.

Location – stroll to yangon general hospital 1

More on the walk to Yangon General Hospital.

Location – stroll to yangon general hospital 2

More on the walk to Yangon General Hospital.

Location – stroll to yangon general hospital 3

More on the walk to Yangon General Hospital and the hospital grounds.

Location – stroll to yangon general hospital 4

More on the walk to Yangon General Hospital and the hospital grounds.

Everybody Learns Something On These Trips

News from the small Open Heart International team that traveled to Pyin Oo Lwin and a huge thank you to the companies that make it all possible.

Travel to a Yangon Hospital

Open Heart International visiting three hospitals in Yangon, Myanmar

Street Stories From Myanmar

Some observations about the Mandalay General Hospital and health care in Myanmar.

Minglabar

The team has arrived in Myanmar, here is some background information about Myanmar.

First blog entry; hi to all

Warwick Creeper introducing the upcoming Myanmar trip and thoughts from past trips.

The Final Word on Myanmar

Final thoughts on Myanmar and the team that went.

On the road again…..

The trip to Cambodia is about to start with some background to the country and past trips.

Setting Sail For Cambodia – With A slight Head Wind!

Heading to Cambodia with and urgent email from customs.

Smooth Sailing – And Even The Spinnaker Is Out

The team has arrived in Cambodia but there have been freight issues.

Street Stories From Cambodia

Some initial impressions of the hospital and surrounds in Cambodia.

Stories Of The Brave And Courageous – Meet Chea

Dr. Phil Roberts take on patients and the experience of working in Cambodia.

Chea Goes For Surgery

Chea's day for surgery has arrived.

Thank You Killara Public School

Seeing the transformation from surgery of the sponsored child Vath.

Chea – Brave And Courageous – And Extremely Determined!

An update on Chea and how he is recovering post surgery.

Chea And Vath Are On The Ward

The quick recovery of the children of Cambodia after heart surgery.

Dadeldhura Hospital Reclaimed

Nepal Government takes over hospital

The Kids Are On Their Way Home, And So Are We

Patient stories and experiences on the Cambodian Cardiac trip 2013

Goodbye To Our Friends At Angkor Hospital For Children

Thoughts and experiences of Carolyn Wilkinson on the 2013 Cambodian cardiac trip.