Greg Golladay left today. No one can be prouder of what he has done than his colleagues. By the time he left he was basically the medical director for a 30 person OR and has done an incredible job. He will never tell you this, so I am happy to do so. Greg has been texting and as he has traveled he has had some delays. It seems that he might arrive home tomorrow (1/26). As we move forward, I would strongly consider his advice as he really knows what is happening on the ground here.
Today the surgery schedule was light, but we were notified of a group of 41 patients near the border in the Dominican Republic who needed care. These were refugees from Port-au-Prince who traveled over extremely bumpy roads to get to their neighboring country (see map). Most all are Haitian natives who in some way sought help for surgery or simply refuge in the Dominican Republic. Now they wish to return and still require surgery and care.
Two other physicians, a nurse anesthetist and I traveled to Belledere to the hospital there. The hope was that the patients we saw will eventually be transferred across the border back to this hospital for triage. Unfortunately they were held up at the border today because of time constraints (they close the border daily at around 3:00).
Presently one of the anesthesiologists and I are staying at a PIH residence in Belledere. We plan to travel to see patients, triage, and assist in their transport back to Double Harvest tomorrow.
Thanks to all for their prayers and support. Please thank Greg for a job well done on his return.
David J. Bielema, M.D.
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Thank-you OAM team and everyone involved. It is humbling and encouraging to hear all of the reports from the field. Thank-you from the heart for the willingness and committment to being our hearts and hands and eyes in Haiti. Prayers continually with you all.