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Today our team led by Louis Lindenmyer NP and Nurse St. Jeanne RN and CCC intern Leila Hariri visited Bethesda Health Center’s “See and Treat” clinic. The three nurses who were trained and certified previously set up the equipment effortlessly and were ready to begin screening and treating women. They first presented an educational presentation to all the patients in the waiting area explaining the VIA and cryotherapy procedures. They also detailed the importance of screening for women who are HIV positive due to the high co-infection rate of HIV and HPV. We were happy to learn about the collaboration of this clinic and “Mama Baby Haiti,” a birthing center in Cap-Haitien who has been using the facility for cervical cancer screening and treatment. Impressive patient data was presented to us and we were so impressed with the consistency of this clinic in holding weekly screenings for women to come and get screened. One patient volunteered to do a brief interview with us. She explained that she met a lady on a tap-tap (a taxi van in Cap-Haitien) who had been to this clinic for screening and encouraged her to come as well. She explained that she has been experiencing some reproductive health issues recently and therefore feels a tremendous amount of stress. She was so grateful to have a place that she can visit and get consultation and a check up, and we were honored to play a small positive role in her life. By CCC Coordinator Leila Hariri_____________________________
Today we made our triumphant return to The Mary III clinic at Saint Jean Hospital in Limbe, approximately 30 minutes southwest of Cap-Haitien. This clinic holds a special place in my heart, due to the compassion of the nurses and aides, the friendly professionalism of the doctors, and the noticeable calm I see in the patients. I spent a full day here last August, in extreme heat and humidity, assisting the trainees as they became proficient in the “See and Treat” procedure. I was so happy to see the familiar faces of Nurse Ruth and Dr. Calixte when we entered the clinic. Often, clinics in remote areas have high staff turnover. It’s always a comfort to know that a clinic has remained in the same capable hands in which we left it.
Not surprisingly, upon our arrival, an aide was already assisting women with the registration process. We assessed their equipment (all in perfect working order and well cared for) and supplies, replenishing any that were low or out. Soon after our arrival, nurse Ruth began calling patients by name for their screening. We set up a second screening station in order to help move patients through more quickly. The morning went by quickly. All the while, we were being photographed by the incredibly talented Cat Benner, owner of NEXT EXIT PHOTOGRAPHY, who was kind enough to accompany us and document this week’s program.
All in all, we couldn’t be happier with the performance of this clinic. It is a pleasure and an honor to work with this team and ensure that the women of Limbe receive the cervical cancer prevention services they need and deserve.
By CCC Travel Nurse/Admin Caitlin Cawley, RN