Biomedical Voluntary Work on a Hospital Ship

The Mercy Ships is a Christian charity, which operates a fleet of hospital ships to provide free world-class health care services to the poor living in developing countries. I travelled to meet the Anastasis Mercy Ship when it was docked in Cotonou, Benin, West Africa to work as a volunteer biomedical technician for two weeks (12^th to 26^th February 2005). The Anastasis has a well-equipped hospital on board with three operating theatres and a large ward. Procedures such as cataract removal, WF (Vesico-vaginal fistula) surgery, cleft lip surgery and tumour removal are performed there. The aim of my visit was to assess the medical equipment on board and carry out repairs or maintenance. I was also to advise on their medical equipment inventory and look at their equipment management processes. The amount of medical equipment on board seemed to be satisfactory for the clinical need but had been subject to more than usual wear and tear due to sailing, water leaks and power failures. I suggested increasing the level of preventive maintenance to reduce the risk of failures mid-mission. For electrical safety I proposed steps to reduce the electrical risks to patients, staff and other equipment. I serviced the anaesthetic machines and checked and repaired equipment in theatres and the ward. I condemned some of the older equipment and suggested concentrating on obtaining donations of the same models as the remaining fleet. For the future I would like to see the Mercy Ships develop a strong biomedical support team based with their new ship, the Africa Mercy, so that medical missions can run safely and smoothly. Such a team would then have great potential to serve local hospitals by offering technical support and training.