During this time we completed 35 surgical procedures, and Dr. Gayle saw approximately 180 patients in the clinics.

Multiple hernias and hydrocoeles were repaired, and multiple smaller cases were done.

Critical care was given to several patients by Dr. Gayle including treatment of an elderly patient with acute congestive heart failure and a probable stroke.

An eyeglass clinic was held on two afternoons to distribute reading glasses to the people in the surrounding area.

Rev. DeBevoise met with the pastors association as well as with the Haitian Priest.

Chis Rodenbough and Al Atz came to the hospital 2 days prior to our arrival to ensure the functioning of the equipment and the trucks for our medical mission. Without their extremely competent and wonderful help we would not have been able to accomplish what we did, and it was a blessing to us that they were there.

Although the physical plant has deteriorated over the past 6 months, the hospital continues to function and to care for the sick in the area, who have no other way of receiving medical help. At the present time there is a compassionate and competent Haitian physician, Dr. Page, who is doing his public service. He will be there for at least one year. Dr. Page was extremely easy to work with, eager to learn, and had a true heart for the people. It was a pleasure to work with him.

The hospital personnel, many who have been there for years, continue to do their job well. They have remained loyal to the hospital, even in the troubled times of the past few years. One thing that was quite evident is that they are taking ownership of the hospital, and have shown initiative and creativity not experienced before. This was extremely encouraging. The hospital was clean, and the patients well cared for. The nurses and ancillaries were compassionate and competent, and several have remained since last year. Kenold was exceptional and has become a true friend.

Everyone was extremely helpful and willing to do anything that we asked. We were able to do teaching and to include as many as possible in all that we did. Dr. Gayle worked closely with Dr. Page as well, to expand his knowledge base.
Although the level of the hospital is not what is was when Dr. McLain was there, it is certainly much better than it has been in the distant past, and I believe will reach that level again. The Public Health Outreach is strong, and continues. The vaccinations continue. The education of the people continues. This is all very encouraging.

We met with Dr. Jean Denis of MSPP (the government health service) who we found to be cooperative and willing to work with us. My feeling was that the government sincerely wishes to deliver the care to the people in the best way possible.
Overall our trip was extremely successful and rewarding and we will be returning in 6 months, if possible. I encourage other groups to go as possible, to continue the care and education so desperately needed in this poorest part of Haiti.
I recommend that we continue to try and work with MSPP and the Haitian government to allow the hospital to grow and reach it’s potential. I feel at this time they will continue to be a good partner.

I feel that the hospital is capable of supporting future mission trips and this is the direction they wish to head. I would encourage this as well, as I think it would benefit those going as well as those receiving.
Before this happens, however, I would encourage repairs in the guest house as well as in the hospital, to ensure shower capability, lighting in the patient rooms and nurses’ stations at night, and repair of as many ceiling leaks as possible.

We felt we accomplished a great deal with the help of all those who went and all those who were at the hospital. There is much more to be done in this most desperate of areas, and we are only beginning. But progress continues, and God is in charge, of this we are sure.

Respectfully submitted,
Sylvia D. Campbell MD FACS