Off to a flying start

And we are off to a flying start in Siem Reap!

In just over two days the team has managed to: screen over 40 patients, run two physiotherapy sessions, conduct two arts and crafts sessions, visit the world famous temples of Angkor Wat, decorate the post-operative ward for the kids, and most importantly, operated on six kids while teaching the local Cambodian surgical team some more complex cardiac open heart skills! The surgical team pulled off a massive 16 hour marathon finishing at midnight on just our second day of surgery! What an awesome effort! No wonder everyone is happy but tired only three days into the trip!

The six little patients have all been successfully operated on and several are back in the ward with their parents already. The speed of recovery of these kids has to be seen to be believed! It is fantastic to see the palpable relief of the family members that have been camped outside the operating room waiting for news of their child’s status. So far we have only had good news to deliver to the six families. What a result – but we all know we still have a long way to go till we leave on Saturday.

The team has gelled brilliantly together along side the local medical staff. The Cambodian staff are loving the education as well as our added Aussie sense of humour. Ben, the singing Cardiologist has been a hit with patients and families due to his calm and caring nature as well as his musical skills which have proven to be entertainment for everyone during the screening process.

Ash, our resident rockstar surgeon along with Kimmy (his faithful surgical nurse) have done an amazing job, yet again, in the last two days helping save the lives of six kids. Along the way they have taught the Cambodians some new skills and procedures with donated equipment from Australia that will be left behind for them to carry on the work. Molly our youngest team member performed her perfusionist duties perfectly and will no doubt be asked to come back with us next time! Even if she had to put up with Alan the anaesthetist’s bad jokes! We love him anyway! The ICU team has done their first night shift and that too was a great success with Gay, Wendy and Geoff leading the team all night long.

What a cracking good start to the week in Siem Reap!