Mercy Ships And The South African Society Of Anesthesiologists Partner To Empower Medical Practitioners
Mercy Ships And The South African Society Of Anesthesiologists Partner To Empower Medical Practitioners. Mercy Ships hosted a three-day training course in Pietermaritzburg KwaZulu-Natal, to teach medical professionals how to administer safer anesthesia during surgeries. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to empower medical professionals in Africa through SAFE (safer anesthetics from education) courses. These courses are designed to enhance skills in obstetric and pediatric anesthesia delivery, and critical complications management during surgeries, resulting in improved safety standards and better healthcare outcomes.
The three-day training in Pietermaritzburg forms part of a broader series of eight specialized courses scheduled to take place throughout the country. These training programs are being conducted collaboratively with the South African Department of Health (DoH), the South African Society of Anesthesiologists (SASA), and Mercy Ships. Participants will have the invaluable opportunity to learn from seasoned Mercy Ships anesthetists and SASA instructors, who have a wealth of experience in teaching SAFE courses.
Each of the courses will be conducted over a three-day period and will provide a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience for medical professionals. The curriculum includes a mix of lectures, low-tech simulations, discussions, and roleplay to ensure participants gain practical skills and knowledge. The SAFE approach incorporates Mercy Ships’ expertise alongside that of local instructors. These instructors undergo a rigorous “train the trainers” program, preparing them to serve as the in-country faculty of the future.
The courses are rooted in time-tested methods and insights gleaned from SAFE courses developed by the Association of Anesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI), ensuring the highest standards of training and education for medical professionals.
“As Mercy Ships, we are extremely proud to be a part of this transformative journey providing vital training to medical practitioners and contributing to safer anesthesia practices for the benefit of mothers and children. The support of the SASA and DoH officials has been instrumental in making these courses possible, ensuring the growth of medical capabilities and the overall well-being of patients in the region,” says Brenda van Straten, Director of Mercy Ships, South Africa.
Dr Caroline Corbett, President of SASA adds that the collaboration between the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists and Mercy Ships in the delivery of these SAFE courses will have an impact on our communities and our nation well beyond the program delivery itself. “The collective investment and prioritisation of access to and training in safe, quality healthcare for our most vulnerable patients inspires hope and builds towards the sustainability of healthcare resources required for our future. SASA looks forward to many more such initiatives and proudly acknowledges our members who have selflessly contributed their time to enabling these projects through the support of Mercy Ships,” says Dr Corbett. “It is through planting these foundations of education together that we are able to grow stronger, broader healthcare services and delivery.”
