Projects
Hospital Renovation Project
Brass Tacks,
a UK based building and maintenance group commenced a major renovation
of the hospital in June 2006. The first phase included the replacement
of the toilet blocks, extensions to the plumbing and drainage system,
roof repair and painting. The second phase, in 2007, included a
new toilet block for the delivery ward, completion of work in the
children's ward, and a new hospital incinerator. In 2008 there will be a complete rewiring of the hospital
Medical Missionary News have sent containers of
medicines and building materials to Kalene and will help with purchasing medical equipment.
Resources:
Pictures
(1.2MB PDF) of the renovation progress (Revised June 2007).
Workshop Story
(2.1MB PDF) for the story in pictures
of how Kalene got a new workshop (Revised June 2007).
Electrical Power Generation
In 1964 the potential for power generation was identified at the point where
the Zambezi rapids start, just a few kilometres away from Kalene
Hospital. Following the establishment of a Trust Board, and a
significant fund raising project, work on the hydroelectric scheme began in
March 2004. This has been a community project, using local labour and
materials as much as is possible. This was a deliberate policy as the
aim of the trust is to develop the local economy. Since June 2007 the hospital has had
reliable 24 hour electricity. When the hydroelectric project is running at full capacity,
750kVA of electricity will be generated. It is planned to provide electricity to the
surrounding areas such as chiefs Nyakaseya's and Ikelenge's capitals, schools at Ikelenge,
Sakeji and Kalene, and to Hillwood farm.
Resources:
Pictures of the development
(3.6MB, PDF). Revised June 2007
Some recent photos were included in a
blog.
Training
Vision
There are many mission hospitals and health clinics in this part of
Africa (see the overview of CMML medical work in Africa) that are in the
midst of a staffing crisis. There are two main reasons for this.
Problems recruiting African staff: In Zambia, 90% of medical graduates
in the last twenty years have left the country, with many moving to
South Africa or the United Kingdom. Many registered nurses have also
left the country. Staff recruitment has also been limited by AIDS.
Problems recruiting expatriate staff: This is due to the
changes in medical training. Whereas 25 years ago medical training
equipped doctors with the broad practical skills, (eg: general medicine,
obstetrics, and some basic anaesthetic and surgical skills), necessary to
work in an African hospital. Now medical training is more theoretical, and
practical skills are usually gained in an area of specialist training.
Because of this it was felt there was a need for a training hospital in central Africa, to enable doctors and nurses, (from either African or Western countries) to receive the practical training required to equip them for work in a rural African hospital. Echoes of Service recommended Kalene for redevelopment as a training hospital. By helping to train staff for the other medical facilities in the broader area, the redevelopment of Kalene Hosptial should benefit all.
Nursing School
History of the nursing school
The nursing school was first opened in 1969 under the supervision of Hilda Wadsworth
This continued to train nurses until 1989.
Developments
Mr Aaron Banda has been appointed the Principal of the school. Following
a period of renovation and obtaining funds for kitchen equipment and for
library and teaching resources the nursing school was opened on 3rd
March 2008. This school will provide a two year course for the training
of Zambian enrolled nurses (ZEN). It is the intention of the nursing
school and hospital to provide a high quality nursing education, where
the importance of looking after the needs of the patient is emphasised
and Christian values and principles are taught. There are 30 students in
the first class and building of an additional hostel facility will be
necessary before the next intake in 2009. An article on the opening of
the nursing school will be posted soon Anyone who has been a nursing tutor, or a nurse who is
interested in teaching and who would like to help with this project
would be very welcome to contact us at
opportunities.
Practical apprenticeship for qualified staff
Practical training of qualified medical, clinical officer and nursing staff would be based on an apprenticeship model. It is envisaged that a doctor or nurse (either from Zambia, DRC, Angola or a western country) would come with a specific set of practical skills that they need to learn. They would have the opportunity to learn these skills in a supportive environment and with appropriate supervision. When competency was achieved, the worker would move on to the hospital or clinic they were planning to work in.