Lucy was my mentor and companion during my visit and I thank her for her friendship and for sharing so much of the ‘ways of doing things in Goroka’. The group photo is of the Monash Goroka Alumni and in the meeting we had there was so much energy and enthusiasm with each person talking about what they have been doing in their nursing career since studying at Monash and their hopes for the future. We spent time talking about research and nursing leadership and how it is up to us as individuals, within the organisation, to make a difference in the care we provide and to help others to reach out and to do the best possible. There are many examples of good practice, in health care delivery, within the hospital. The request for further undergraduate programs was taken to the Head of School and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science and we are forming a committee to look at how and when we could implement such a program again.

Working with all the staff was for me enjoyable…I aimed to have them tell me of their good work and achievements and how they do so despite a poverty in essential resources. They were able to recognise that even though there are limitations in equipment and qualified staff, it is still possible to create culturally appropriate and sensitive care for unwell people and their families and to be person centred.

Diane and Simone also achieved their aims, to provide antenatal care and to be with birthing women, to work with the local midwives and to maintain high standards of care. Care that would meet the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council standards of practice. What was important in this for me, was to see how these students translated their skills in a new and challenging culture,  in practice, in environment and among people who understand and speak a different language and experience a different lifestyle.

We received a wonderful welcome by all we met, those in the hospital and people in the streets and markets. Sonia  always kept us safe and ensured that we were able to experience wonderful opportunities such as a local wedding and a lunch with friends, sometimes we spent many hours at night talking, talking, talking about everything! As only friends can do. In what we were experiencing, sharing our thoughts, telling stories, and writing our journals, Sonia was always supportive. Thankyou ever so much. Thankyou also to Dr Jo and your many colleagues who made us welcome too and for the provision of vehicles and drivers to ensure we were able to get out to the health centres, to shop for provisions to give to the birthing women, to the markets to buy fresh produce.

Many people shared their plans and hopes for a bright new hospital, and we wish you well on this quest. But in the meantime we send you our best wishes and our thoughts, and thank everyone for what can only be described as a remarkable experience with remarkable people.

Kind regards

Dr Kay McCauley-Elsom
Senior Lecturer
Bachelor of Midwifery Coordinator
School of Nursing and Midwifery
Monash University