A Day of Teaching and Learning in Tonga

It was another busy day at the Prince NGU Hospital in Tonga as 589 people braved the early morning heat and the mid afternoon showers for a chance to see the Pacific Partnership 2011 medical staff.

Nurses Bill Aiken and Bridget Binko were among the Project HOPE volunteers onshore to assist at the hectic medical site.

Aiken was able to make a long-term impact on the life of woman, suffering from type 2 diabetes, and potentially impact others suffering from the disease.

“I had an opportunity to educate a patient on some of the things she should do and not do to help control her type 2 diabetes,” he says. “It turned into a 30-minute conversation with a lot of helpful information.”

Concerned that the woman might not be able to remember all the information they discussed, Aiken asked the translator if he could write the information on a list for the woman to take home.

“We came up with the idea of translating the list on the computer, printing out a hard copy for the patient, and making the list on the computer available to other doctors,” says Aiken.

With the power of communication Aiken was able to connect with his patient and provide valuable translated information to benefit other doctors and patients.

While caring for patients at the site, Nurse Binko had a lesson herself, learning a new style for checking blood pressure with a machine that applies to the wrist.

Invigorated by a day of learning and teaching, the team is eager to continue moving forward.