From Erik

This week marked my first week of “full-time” work at the hospital.  The patient volume has been uncharacteristically light, but this is allowing for an easier transition as I learn how the system here works.  The hospital has a brand new suite of operating theaters that is very nice, and while I’ve done a few cases so far, I look forward to an increasing patient load.  One goal of BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital is to be able to provide broader neonatal care for Kenya and the region.  Unfortunately, many children with congenital defects that are almost always curable in more developed countries die without ever making it to a healthcare facility that has the ability to treat their problem.  The reasons for this are multifactorial but among other things involve delays in presentation, the ability to travel, and the cost of care.  BethanyKids is already known throughout the region for the care it provides for the wide spectrum of spina bifida.  We want to provide hope and holistic healing to families as we strive to increase awareness among the rural communities of Kenya as to the availability of affordable, quality pediatric surgical care at Kijabe Hospital for children with a wide array of congenital problems.