GPHnews 9 Urogynaecologists train the trainer in Ghana Greenslopes Private Hospital was pleased to be able to support this initiative with the donation of medical equipment to enable the surgical skills component of the meeting to take place. At the end of April 2014, Greenslopes Private Hospital Urogynaecologists, Prof Judith Goh AO and Dr Hannah Krause organised a workshop in Ghana, West Africa to up skill local health practitioners. Urogynaecology as a subspecialty of gynaecology is in its infancy in Ghana, and assistance was sought to train local health practitioners. So, with the approval of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons six nurses from three hospitals, and seven doctors attended the “train the trainers” workshop. Prof Goh said that a multidisciplinary approach to patient care is a novel approach in Ghana in particular in the area of urogynaecology. “The importance of a team approach in the optimisation of patient care was emphasised.” The workshop included formal lectures to a combined nurse/doctor audience, surgical skills workshop, teaching in the outpatients (history, examination, assessment), ward rounds and surgery in the operating theatre. “Women with urinary incontinence, vaginal prolapse and genital tract fistula (urethra/bladder/ anorectal) were assessed and treated.” “At times conditions were challenging with the hot humid climate and unreliable water and electricity supply. The participants however, were very enthusiastic learners,” Prof Goh said. Other facilitators of the workshop included Dr Peta Higgs (Sunshine Coast) and Ms Kate Sloane (Continence Nurse, Melbourne). Prof Judith Goh AO – Urogynaecologist Dr Hannah Krause – Urogynaecologist Suite 209, Ramsay Specialist Centre Greenslopes Private Hospital
GPH News Winter 2014
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