School Medical Site Opens in Timor Leste

It was another productive day in Timor-Leste as the Project HOPE volunteers helped treat nearly 600 patients on the opening day of the 12 Outubro School medical site.  

Set-up medical tents lined the picturesque site at the school, which is tucked away behind a beautiful mountainside and offers a view of the ocean.  

“We had a early start, a new site, and new people,” says HOPE volunteer nurse Bridget Binko, who is serving as head nurse at the site. “We did a great job getting the registration started and made a few modifications as the day went on to get the most patients seen. I was really proud about how well everyone came together and worked as a team to keep the crowds moving and get the patients treated.”  

Volunteer Andrew Siler was fascinated about the pharmacy work that took place out in the field. “It was awesome, I enjoyed, working with limited resources and to make a plan to make do with what we have,” says Siler. “We worked well with the interpreters, they really got the message out, and it felt like their hearts were really into it.” 

Dr. Alan Jamison and Nurse Practitioner Joyce Cleavenger had full control over pediatrics, and with great team work, they had nothing but smiles for the health care they were providing to the people at the medical site. 

“The patients were very friendly, and I was able to see a lot of children, which most were very healthy,” said Dr. Jamison.  

Most cases that Jamison and Cleavenger treated were minor ear infections, but Dr. Jamison was able to diagnose a two-month old child with a case of pneumonia. “With help from our translators, I was able to convince the parent to immediately take the child to the hospital. “ 

Work continues for two more days at the school medical site.