As in all our trips, the last few days arrive much too quickly with the thought of heading home a poignant reality. After waving a teary farewell to our interpreters, the team made plans for the day. Having less downtime than normal in Siem Reap resulted in the frantic dashing around the markets for last minute bartering and gift buying; beauty salons for relaxing and cleansing massages; and temples to maximize the opportunity for some serenity and appreciation of an amazing ancient culture.
Those of us who have ventured to the temples before were lucky enough to undertake a private tour of the Angkor Children’s Hospital. This paediatric facility in the very centre of Siem Reap has a total of 500 members of staff who provide care for 500-600 children each day. Yes!! each day. This is a phenomenal number of children who receive free health care and treatment in a facility dedicating itself to improving the health and health education of Cambodian families. It has recently become recognized as a teaching facility and provides exchange opportunities for health care professionals from around the world with education provided to the same standard as many developed countries.
All children under the age of 16 years can access the hospital facilities and they provide care for Cambodian children and foreigners at no cost. Although many of the buildings and systems on the outside may appear simplistic, the dedication to hand hygiene, infection control, nutritional advice, health education provided to families, and the recent introduction of a child life specialist, demonstrate that this facility truly has the best interests of the children at heart.
Our tour included seeing the inpatient wards, where up to 50 children are cared for in rows upon rows of beds with no curtains for privacy between each child.
Whilst the dental clinic was busy today, our tour guide Sar explained the hospital focus was on educating families on how to keep their children well and prevent not only tooth decay, but other illnesses that are easily preventable if education can be provided.
A quick stop by the ICU and neonatal units gave us all goosebumps. Many parents from the Provinces who are unable to pay for the travel to and from the hospital and the food whilst they are there, often present with their child too late for treatment to be successful. This was a very sobering concept, although Sar went on to explain that the social work department is integral in supporting these poorest families that attend.
The social workers have a massive task. They work alongside the child life specialist ensuring the children have activities and distraction during their stay. They provide a cooking demonstration each morning in the cooking area (open fire and clay pots) and promote healthy eating at every opportunity. Their main role appears to be support to the very poor families (they are given a card to be identified as such), with access to a food bank and assistance with clothing and the necessities that are required for any parent who has a sick child in hospital.
Though we often complain, we are so lucky in Australia with the health care facilities, equipment and staffing levels that make us a truly privileged country. However, this beacon of hope for sick children throughout Cambodia offers a vision of sustained progress for paediatric healthcare into the future.
Further information can be found at https://angkorhospital.org