A Lay Person's Day

Excerpt from an email from Elaine, a first time volunteer:

Every morning I'm on the bus that leaves at 7AM. It takes about 30 to 45 minutess to get to the hospital. Once we're there, 2 other lay people and I start setting up the coffee room, going around each unit to see what is needed and who needs help, sorting the clean scrubs that come from the laundry, organizing or compiling hockey bags and doing inventory of supplies. Everyday I go ask all the team leaders what they need for their units, compile a list and go shopping at the mall for it. Then it's back to the hospital where this guy that owns a restaurant in Quito make us the most delicious lunches ever.

Guido has given us great service each day - seven days per week!

Then it's into the OR to sterilize instruments.

Surgical instruments ready for sterilization.

It's not crazy all day. In fact, they're saying this year is pretty slow. I spent a lot of time up in the ward with pre- and post-op patients as well as the ward nurses and physios, who are awesome. Also hanging out a lot in the recovery unit. This one recovery nurse, Jesusa, is alway telling me when a new peds patient is coming into recovery so I can come see them. They are so cute (2 two year shad club feet repairs today).

Monday I got to observe most of a hip replacement and it was awesome. Don, one of the surgeons, was answering all of our questions and stopping and showing us things and letting us up close to take pictures.

I'm having a fantastic time, but the days are 14hrs long, which is draining. We usually go straight to dinner after we're done the day and don't get to bed till 1130 or 12.