Volunteers Ensure Care Continues After Mission

A key role of patient care for the Pacific Partnership medical team is Discharge Planning. Discharge Planning is a department that makes sure that the patients aboard the USNS Mercy know how to care of themselves even after the Pacific Partnership 2012 mission ends. 

One of the important people working in Discharge Planning is Jan Kline, a Project HOPE volunteer from Port Washington, New York.  

“I am really enjoying Discharge Planning because I get to see the patients on the good end.  They are very happy and grateful,” said Kline. “I get to know each patient a little when I am teaching them how to take care of themselves. I teach them things like what symptoms to watch out for and when to take their medication.” 

Kline added that she has the great pleasure of helping the discharged patients onto the ferry. She says that is a nice way to complete the circle.  

“I have seen some disabilities that people amazingly are able to cope with from an early age. The disabilities are just part of their day to day life,” said Kline. “They are here for more important health issues, issues that could be surgically corrected.”  

Kline is really enjoying her work. She is ready for an increasing amount of work and seeing smiles on more patients, as the mission will soon come to the end.