WESLEYAN HOSPITAL - ANSE-A-GALETS, LA GONAVE, HAITI

When we left Haiti in 2012, the new hospital was almost finished.  It was one of the things- along with the Guest House/Ministry Center – that we regretted not being able to participate in the “commissioning” services.  Each was dedicated the next year, with the appropriate dignitaries and others participating and promising great futures ahead, serving the people of the island and housing visiting teams and training sessions for the locals.

 Over the next couple of visits, we did get to go in, get to look around and marvel again at what a good place it was for the inhabitants of La Gonave.  Last week, I returned to the hospital with a team that was getting another tour of the facilities and updates, and took the opportunity to get some current photos, especially for you, Marie Cattle, our 2012 neighbor and wife of Julian who oversaw the hospital project and hasn’t been able to make a return visit from England yet.

The front entrance from Rue l'Hopital 

The entrance to the community pharmacy next door

The courtyard and the ambulance, a gift from the government

The waiting area looking out at the courtyard.  On one end of the mural, Colossians 3:23 : Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.  On the other end, Jeremiah 29:11:  For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.   Many Haitians are very artistic and this gift is offered and enjoyed in many public places.

There is a covered area outside each wing which provides shade from the sun and cools the adjacent rooms.

Entering the building with the emergency area on the left. 

Missionary Dr. Robert and Dr. Natalie, who is serving her year of required in-country service following med school and residence, catching up on files and paperwork 

The first patient wing is to the right.

The privacy screens were made by a seamstress on a work team from South Dakota.   Moveable, able to be situated to portion off  each side area or between beds, they are a great addition to any ward, and are found throughout the patient wings.

Down the hall, the maternity ward, where expectant women await imminent delivery.  This week, we had a c-section of twins - mother and babies are doing well.  Moms usually stay overnight, their food and physical care needs provided by family members or friends.  Another set of twins were born last night, premature; one died at birth and the other is struggling this morning.  The cycle of life occurs here as in any hospital.

On the way back down the hall, a glance to the right  brings into view the grassy area between the wings.  Larry had brought some grass plugs from the experiment station in Tifton, Georgia, when the area was being developed.  It is still growing well!  

One surgery suite for minor procedures and two suites for major surgeries are at the end of the hall.  Notice the two large windows in this one; beautiful view of the sea!

Pediatric ward wall appliqués brought by a visiting team add decoration and a bit of joy to the patients.

Also, toys and stuffed animals that are donated are given by the nurses to children after surgery or when in an extended stay.

At the end of each of the two ward hallways are several private rooms.

Across the street, areas of the old hospital are still in use.  There is a secluded area which houses cholera patients.  Also the clinics are still held in one wing; the lab and other offices are maintained there.  

The outside area has been landscaped nicely by Haitian young people working with one of the missionaries.  Sidewalks have been laid by a visiting team who worked alongside Haitian workers, in an effort to spruce up the environs and spark a sense of pride in those working at and being served at the clinic.  It seems that a squadron of boys meets each Saturday morning to work here.  Much emphasis has been made upon keeping it pristine with all trash put into the available trash bins.  

A great effort!  What a difference in this area - and in the lives of these young people - since we were last here!