Heading into the start of our last clinic at Battambang, we had a few hours of time to spare. Socheat had discovered it was Bryony and Troy’s wedding anniversary whilst we have been in Cambodia, so she arranged for them to be dressed in traditional Khmer wedding outfits, with a party to be held on our evening of arrival. Everyone got into the celebratory spirit, including the hotel staff, and a great evening was had by all. As we dispersed to our rooms for a refreshing massage, the reality of the next day being our last clinic hit home, although we were keen to do what we do best and provide some care to the locals that would venture to our clinic.
It was a bittersweet morning, knowing that it was our last clinic here in Cambodia for this trip. We all woke up relatively refreshed and ready to face the day at full speed. After another bus trip filled with singing, laughing and chats about what we have already seen or recounts of previous trips we have all been on, we arrived somewhat early to the clinic from Socheats hometown of Krong Battambang. For me (Nicole), Chloe, Danny and Troy, it was our first time getting to see the beautiful area Socheat is from, and the area and its people are so welcoming and warm hearted. As is with most of the clinics we go to it was a day filled with beautiful little ones with great big smiles, and family, after family so happy to see us; even if it was just for a chat with someone new or a catch up as Caz or Heidi who have seen them in previous years. Bryony and I were teamed up for the day, and although I was struck out for a little bit due to a small bout of vomiting (my first of the trip, lucky!) Bryony held the fort down at our table like a trouper putting her busy ED skills to use. Michael provided some first aid while I laid on the floor for about an hour, getting me fit quickly to get back in the game. Rachael and Caz headed up another treatment table, while Heidi held her own running a table by herself.
As usual, there were many interesting patients and stories that crossed our paths. From the 102-year-old man who had a walking stick which had been passed through his family for generations; to an old chap who had a false leg (from a landmine explosion in the Pol Pot times), the humbling smiles, thanks and blessings streamed across our stations. Heidi fell in love with a 6-year-old young girl who had an obvious heart problem, but her family have been proactive at accessing treatment form the Children’s Hospital in Siem Reap. Caz and Rach were approached by a young man of 31 who had some interesting tattoos; one being a scorpion on his arm. Interested by his body art, Rach queried the reason for his choice of tattoo and we then got to learn his story. The man had a long history of being affected by mental health issues which appeared to stem from his violent upbringing and traumatic childhood. As in society worldwide, mental health illnesses are often associated with isolation and unnecessary community judgement. His scorpion tattoo was a symbol from him to be identified as a good man within his village so that he would not feel ostracised. Bryony’s station saw a steady run of patients requiring blood pressure checking and Danny was soon upskilled as her AIN (assistant in nursing).
Our morning wasn’t crazy as past days have been, but it was still a steady pace. After another beautiful FEAST, and I mean feast, was put on for lunch by the pastor of the church we were at, the clinic quickly died down and eventually we packed up. Before we departed to do some exploring we donated a big suitcase of reusable sanitary pads, underwear and ladies bags (beautiful little bags done up with a range of bathroom things) to the women, which was a really touching moment to see that they were so excited and grateful for the things.
Our post clinic trip involved a drive up a mountain in the back of rather suspect ute with what I would say are questionable tyres and brakes to see Heidi’s favourite temple; Mountain Temple, which was stunning! With breathtaking views over the hills and houses below, the excitement quickly became upsetting as we went further through the area and realised its much darker history just around the corner, left over from the Khmer Rouge. A little further up the mountain was another viewpoint and monkeys! So many cheeky monkeys; very cute indeed. We then quickly went back down the mountain to get to see the bats come out of the cave, but we forgot to double check the timing and decided we didn’t want to wait for over an hour to see them. We loaded back into the vans and headed back to the hotel for a final debrief and pizza for dinner! Yum! This was a great last day of clinic work in Krong Battambang.
