Lead Story

Our Zambia team have been out on the road, visiting more than half the clinics where the Virtual Doctors service is active. They spoke to the Clinical Officers (COs) who provided feedback on the Virtual Doctors App, the advice they receive and the difference this makes to their ability to treat their patients. Their feedback was mostly very positive. Several COs commented on their increased and improved medical knowledge and care. They often share their new-found expertise and insights with other medical professionals. One even said that doctors now trust him entirely to treat patients with complex conditions, given his increased knowledge and ability!
Since the visits, case numbers submitted by the COs have seen a marked upswing. In the past month alone, we have recorded nearly 240 cases.

Case from the Field

A 9 year old with Bell’s Palsy

A clinical officer from Chongwe asked for advice with a 9 year old boy with a “facial nerve palsy”. He came with his father complaining of the mouth shifting to the right side when speaking or smiling, with headache and crying.
The clinical officer did not know what was wrong or how to manage the case.

This was a relatively straightforward diagnosis called Bell’s Palsy. The nerve to one side of the face stops working properly, causing a dramatic loss of movement such that the mouth will not move on one side, and the patient may not be able to blink or close their eye. This can result in permanent damage to the surface of the eye. It looks very dramatic and causes a great deal of concern to parents and healthcare workers who have not seen the condition before.

The volunteer doctor was able to confirm the diagnosis, gave educational advice about the condition, and explained how this could be managed in the rural setting without the need for referral. Important advice was given regarding managing the eye to prevent permanent damage and loss of sight.

A great example of how advice from a Virtual Doctor avoided a referral, possibly saved a boy’s vision, and provided CO education.
(June 19)

See more examples of other recent cases here

Fundraising Update

IT'S TWINS!

Three UK surgeries have far surpassed the £1000 target to twin with our Zambian clinics. Staff at The Abingdon Surgery celebrated their twinning achievement with a cake! They have been twinned with Ngwerere clinic, while Springfield Surgery is now twinned with Chongwe clinic and King Edward Street Surgery, Oxford will be twinned with Zambian Helpers Mission in Chilanga. This is a really fun initiative that can have very positive side effects for staff teams and patients too! If your UK surgery, medical team or hospital ward would like to get involved with our twinning programme, please contact info@virtualdoctors.org.

Visit our website for more ideas on how to raise funds to sustain and expand our valuable service.

STOP PRESS

Calling All Runners....

We have TWO places left on our team for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London. Entry fee is £30 and we are asking our runners to raise a minimum of £300 sponsorship. T&Cs apply. Contact info@virtualdoctors to register your interest.

Want more information?

Our latest donor report is now available - see our website for a downloadable version.