Minister praises Hexham General Tanzania training project
A Government minister yesterday saw how medics in the region help save lives in one of the world's poorest countries.
International development minister Mike Foster was at Hexham General Hospital where surgeons utilise video technology to train staff at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre in Tanzania.
International Development Minister Mike Foster at Hexham General Hospital using a keyhole surgery training device with nurses Lillian Broatch, Sue Colley and surgeon Liam Horgan
The technology, the first of its kind in England, broadcasts images and sounds via computer screens to facilitate training in surgical procedures. The system provides a reliable service for the cost of a telephone call by working through normal broadband.
Mr Foster said: "Over 9.2 million children die in developing countries before their fifth birthday and every single minute a woman dies in childbirth. Most of these deaths could be prevented by access to basic healthcare: medicine, medical facilities and trained medical staff.
"This unique and innovative project is making a real difference to people living in extreme poverty in Tanzania. By training staff who can then serve their local community, the doctors and nurses at Hexham have helped save many lives."
The Tanzania Partnership is a 'health link' scheme funded by Department for International Development.
Clinical lead, Professor Richard Walker said: "We were delighted the minister was able to take time to see first hand the important work the trust does out in Tanzania. We're very proud of the strong partnership we have built up with the medical teams in Tanzania and hope we can work with them for years to come."
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