Return Mission to Dhulikel, Nepal

NOVEMBER 22-DECEMBER 4, 2015

DHULIKHEL HOSPITAL/KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, NEPAL

We are cordially inviting volunteers to participate in the 2015 return mission to Dhulikhel Hospital in Nepal. This 225-bed community supported hospital is expanding services to 2.5 million Nepalese to include full cardiac services. The cardiology department is currently providing angiograms and newly begun interventional cardiology procedures in-house. They are now prepared to begin a full cardiac surgery program and have asked for the support of CardioStart International. The local team members have acquired some early education in their areas of responsibility and look to our team for hands-on learning. A CardioStart team started the education program in May 2015.

Nepal

Ever since Nepal first opened its borders to outsiders in the 1950s, this tiny mountain nation has had an irresistible mystical allure for travelers. Today, legions of trekkers are drawn to the Himalaya’s most iconic and accessible hiking, some of the world’s best, with rugged trails to Everest, the Annapurna’s and beyond. Nowhere else can you trek for days or even weeks in incredible mountain scenery, secure in the knowledge that a hot meal, cozy lodge and warm slice of apple pie await you at the end of the day. Nepal is nirvana for mountain lovers.

Some travelers are drawn to Nepal by the adrenaline rush of rafting down a roaring Nepali river or bungee jumping into a bottomless Himalayan gorge. Canyoning, climbing, kayaking, paragliding and mountain biking all offer a rush against the backdrop of some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
Read more: Nepal History

Nepal Healthcare Status

The healthcare status of Nepal prior to April 2015 was already severely restricted. After the earthquakes of late April and early May, 2015, the health of the nation reached dire levels as many hospitals have collapsed or are too badly damaged to function. The remaining hospitals are in desperate need of medical supplies.

While the country still recovers from immediate health care concerns, thousands still suffer from cardiovascular related disease and sickness. Cardiovascular illnesses and disease are a fast rising trend in Nepal, with the World Heart Federation reporting a 5-fold rise over the last decade. Much of the chaos has settled since the earthquakes and we aim to be able to direct our focus entirely on furthering advances made in cardiac care and education in Nepal.

Mission Details and Goals

This mission will be directed by Janine Henson, RN and Vice President of CardioStart, to build on the work a Korean team has begun in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, and beginning the adult program for Cardiac surgery. Excursions to outreach clinics will also be led, focusing on cardiac disease identification and prevention. Research will be extended to bring full circle work already started in the study of valvular heart disease.

Team Composition
Needed:
1 pediatric Anesthesiologist
1 Neonatal ICU Nurse who will do education in the NICU
1 Ped/Adult Respiratory Therapist
1 adult Anesthesiologist
2 Cardiologists (1 adult/1 pediatric)
2 Research Assistants – one being medical background
1 Scrub Tech/RN
1 Circulator
7 ICU RN’s (3 adult/3 pediatric)
1 Ped/Adult Respiratory Therapist
Outreach (1 week)
2 Outreach clinic nurses
1 Primary Care Physician for Outreach

Mission Logistics

International airfare costs and VISA will be self-funded by each volunteer. Flights should be arranged for travel to & from Kathmandu. WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT BOOK FLIGHTS UNTIL YOU ARE CONFIRMED ON THE TEAM. You will receive a CONFIRMATION letter when all required documents have been submitted and approved.

You may book your own flight or consult cardiostart@raptimusa.com.

Lodging will be provided in a safe & excellent local hotel by our hosts. Volunteers should expect that they may be asked to agree to same-sex room sharing in order to help reduce cost. CardioStart seeks certain minimum standards (2-3 star) to ensure volunteer safety and comfort as well as keeping the team together.

During the day, meals will be available and provided by the hospital. Evening meals/snacks, etc., will be at your own expense and are available at the hotel or other area establishments. Those working outreach may need to fund their meals when they are out on excursions.

Travel/touring: For patient safety reasons, we do need the medical personnel to be in the hospital until the Friday of the second week. Upon completion of the mission, you may wish to take a few days vacation. You can visit some of the many natural wonders of Nepal, or book yourself additional nights before heading back. However, we cannot assist with the tourism arrangements.