Making an Impact
The Virtual Doctors is currently set up in 22 sites
20 rural health centres and 2 hospitals
Covering a population catchment area of 1 million people
Our Medical Director, Dr Fran Fieldhouse, reports on a recent case from a Rural Health Centre in Lusaka Province:
“I recently had a case of a young male patient, with newly diagnosed HIV and syphilis. He presented in a terrible state, very thin and with weeping sores all over his body. Working together with the Clinical Officer, a treatment plan of HIV medication and antibiotics was commenced. He is now well, and his skin has healed.”
Hot off the Press: Zambian High Commission event
Last night (28th Sept) we held an exclusive event, by courtesy of His Excellency Mr Muyeba Chikonde, at the High Commission for Zambia in London. As well as H.E Mr Chikonde, our guests of honour were the former UK Minister for State for Overseas Development and Africa, Baroness Lynda Chalker and the High Commissioner for Malawi in the UK, His Excellency Mr Kena Mphonda. The three VIPs enjoyed an informal buffet dinner joining the Virtual Doctors supporters, staff and volunteers where we shared achievements and challenges.
In giving a vote of thanks Baroness Chalker commended the work of the charity and encouraged others to support our cause, emphasising the benefits of regular giving which she said “helps the charity to plan ahead”. Presentations were given by Huw Jones (Exec Director), James Phiri (Charity Ambassador), Fran Fieldhouse (Medical Director) and Ian Kerr (Chairman). An added bonus was the offer of support from His Excellency Mr Kena Mphondato host a further event at the Malawian High Commission in November with the aim to expand the service into Malawi.
From left to right: His Excellency Mr Muyeba Chikonde, Baroness Lynda Chalker, Mr James Phiri (Charity Ambassador).
Annual Reporting
Our 2015 Report and Accounts were presented at our Annual General Meeting on 27th September and are now available. Please contact info@virtualdoctors.org if you would like to receive a copy. This can be emailed or posted. At the AGM we also held some workshops involving some supporters to help with our business planning, ensuring that at all times we remain transparent and accountable.
Our Expanding Team
Since our last newsletter we extend a warm welcome to new volunteers:
Gavin Marsh as our new Honorary Treasurer and Trustee who will be advising the Board on all things financial.
Also from 3 October we are delighted to announce that Lina Woehrling will be joining the staff team as a part time Executive Business Assistant in our Shoreham Administrative office. More news about Lina and how she is settling in next months newsletter!
We also welcome 4 Virtual Doctor medical professional volunteers to our medical team!
Cranleigh Rotary are Racing!
Members of Cranleigh Rotary have chosen the Virtual Doctors as one of their nominated international charities this year and will be holding a race night in Cranleigh on 21st October to raise funds. The going will be good- if you fancy the odds it would be great to see you there – email mike@charters.eu.com for tickets and more information.
Finally
On behalf of all those who benefit from our service, we would like to say an ongoing thank you to all of our supporters, volunteers and donors.