Good Afternoon from Guatemala,
Here it is very warm and a quiet Sunday afternoon. This past Friday our emergency room in the Clinica Maxena was very busy. We had two field workers with wounds from the large bladed knife used in the field that had to be sutured; we had a diabetic with a very high glucose; and our last patient was a 55 year old field worker who was cutting tree when he fell and a heavy branch fell across his abdomen. He was accompanied by more than 20 friends and neighbors. He also had a large wound on his head. Fortunately the town ambulance responds quickly to the Clinic and takes our emergencies to the hospital. He was in great pain. We started an intravenous fluid,gave him pain injection and covered his head wound in preparation for the ambulance. The family decided they would not take him to the government hospital. Reality is it was the weekend and the care would be inferior; it was a good decision to take him to a private hospital. We have a very good surgeon who assists these cases who is very conscious of the poors ability to pay. The man had an acute abdomen, low blood pressure with an intestinal rupture and needed emergency surgery. In these cases it is the families responsibility to pay and unlike the states neighbors and families chip in to help pay the bill. Today the doctor told me he may also have a fractured pelvis which was later confirmed. A specialist said it should heal with complete bedrest. The total cost of care and surgery could be approximately 2,000. dollars which again does not compare to what one would pay at home. One must remember however that here the field worker earns less than ten dollars a day! It would be nice if health care was a human right all over the world. Somehow it seems like it should be!!
We are always trying to improve our facilities and we have many needs in our emergency room. With a grant from the diocese last year we were able to purchase an EKG machine and also now have oxygen. We need better lighting, more emergency meds and equipment. Suture is always a big need as many emergencies the patient is unable to pay and wounds are very common.. Donations are most welcome. Thank you for accompanying us in our service to the POOR. The gift of LIFE is the greatest gift one can give to another.
ENCLOSED A PICTURE OF A HAPPY FATHER FOLLOWING EMERGENCY BIRTH IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM OF THE CLINICA MAXEÑA!
Send your donation to:
Guatemala Mission
(Note for Clinic or NURSES FUND)
PO Box 1729
Helena, MT
59624
THANK YOU AND BLESSINGS
Sheila
