Nepal

At the invitation of the phect-NEPAL Kathmandu Model Hospital, Interplast volunteers initiated training in microsurgery at the hospitals Plastic Surgery Unit.  With funding assistance from AusAID, five microsurgery training modules have been delivered from 2007 to 2009. Two modules were delivered in the 08/09 financial year involving 11 Interplast volunteers who provided training and mentoring to the surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and therapy staff.  During the last module, the Nepalese surgical team took the lead role in each operation and Interplast country coordinator for Nepal, Mr Russell Corlett, observed a notable development in skills.

This program is developing leaders in the advancement of reconstructive surgery in Nepal and access to appropriate, life changing treatment for patients disabled by a range of trauma injuries, burn contractures and tumours.

In April 2010 Interplast returned to Kathmandu with a team consisting of 2 surgeons, 2 nurses, an anaesthetist and an occupational therapist. Whilst in Kathmandu, the team performed microsurgery on many local burns and cancer patients. A Nurses Training Program and Hand Therapy Training Program were implemented by Interplast volunteers. The nurses training focused on plastic and reconstructive surgery and the hand therapy training on postoperative therapy.