Swinfen Telemedicine - Assisting poor sick and disabled people in the developing world

Interesting Cases

December 2009

News from Mali -A child had a condition which the local ex-pat Doctor could not solve, so it came to SCT. It was sent first to a paediatric generalist in Australia and then with the Doctor’s permission on to a specialist in tropical medicine and infectious diseases. He diagnosed and said what surgery needed to be done. The surgeon operated and the child’s condition, having been correctly diagnosed as a giant omental cyst was alleviated.

September 2009

Cameroon - 14 year old Michaelou fell from a tree in Cameroon and landed on a branch which penetrated his skull. Although he was treated with great care, he was not expected to live. However SCT Consultants were able to give advice and funds were raised locally to have him operated on by a Neurosurgeon and as our picture shows he is now apparently both physically and mentally very well.

‘Many thanks for your help. It is hugely reassuring here in the ‘bush’ to know that expert help is readily available.’
Dr Hamish Tait

September 2009

Nurturing by e-mail - A tiny orphan weighing only 5.3 kg, at age 16 months with a serious heart condition, was severely malnourished and had difficulty in holding her head up. One of our Consultants, over a period of time, was able to recommend treatment that allowed this small person to be prepared for surgery.

“Thank you so much for your assistance, it makes a big difference to us here”.
“Thank you for your advice, it is so reassuring that there are people like yourself just an e-mail away”.
Referring Doctor

Iraq

Featured on the BBC ONLINE NEWS in December 2005, this was the first surgical procedure of its kind to be carried out in Southern Iraq.

The woman had suffered a severe prolapsed uterus and doctors feared that they might have to operate and perform radical surgery or hysterectomy.
Quote from the Iraqi doctor who performed the operation, following guidance and advice from SCT gynaecology consultants Kim Hinshaw and Charles Cox, and Andrew Mathieson who organised the visit  to Iraq, bringing essential medical equipment for the surgery.

" With your help and support we were able to do sacrohysteropexy for the first time in Southern Iraq" My thanks to all of you, especially Pat and Roger for your unlimited support"
NB we do not mention the doctor's real name, to protect him in Iraq.

This case concerned an 18 year old married lady, who was admitted  30 weeks pregnant suffering from severe pre-eclampsia and possible cardiomyopathy.

The medical team asked for urgent help on two fronts, 1) to determine whether she was suffering from pre-eclampsia or cardiomyopathy and 2) whether to terminate the pregnancy immediately to save her life.
Advice and guidance was supplied by an SCT specialist consultant in pre-eclampsia Prof. James Walker and an SCT specialist in Anaesthetics, Dr Clive Cory. They both continued to support the medical team for two weeks until the patient had a caesarean section and was delivered of a healthy baby. The medical team director, as well as the clinician who performed the surgery and the anaesthetist all wrote heartfelt letters of thanks to SCT and the consultants.

Tibet -  A child from a farming family who spent months with nomads developed painful swellings on different parts of her body that eventually discharged small larvae.  Help was sought in identifying an effective treatment other than to keep children away from animals. Digital photographs were sent via the Trust to a Parasitologist for advice, the problem was identified and effective treatment followed. (2006)

Iraq - As a result of a telemedicine consultation with  SCT  in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, consultant, Nazar Amso, who provided advice and support to the prospective parents, before and during the pregnancy, baby Ayah was safely delivered. "Her family are most satisfied and very happy, they appreciate our work together with all the help". (2005)