Lasting legacy

Lifesaver: Flt-Lt Michael Lumsden-Steel demonstrates to staff how to use medical equipment that ADF peacekeepers donated to the Dili National Hospital as they departed Timor-Leste. Photo by LACW Kim Eager

Special care: Sgt Narelle Yard nurses a new-born baby at the Dili National Hospital. Sgt Yard helped to deliver babies at the hospital during her time in Timor-Leste. Photo by LAC Kim Eager

By Cpl Damian Shovell

A SIGNIFICANT amount of ADF equipment was given to Timor-Leste following the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers from the country.

The equipment included vehicles, electronic equipment and medical supplies that were dispersed among various non-government agencies and the Timor- Leste Government.

The Dili National Hospital was one of the recipients and received invaluable equipment that was delivered by aeromedical evacuation doctor Flt-Lt Michael Lumsden-Steel.

“We were able to provide them with cardiac defibrillators, patient monitors and also an ECG, and this is the first time the Dili National Hospital has had this equipment here,” he said.

“The ICU had no technology in it whatsoever. There were no ventilators, no electronic monitoring equipment – pretty much nothing.

“Basically what we’ve provided the hospital with is the ability to do more accurate monitoring and the ability to do a basic resuscitation effort.”

The hospital was also given other items such as oxygen masks, oxyvivers, a resuscitation trolley and six stretchers and stretcher beds.

Clinical director at Dili National Hospital Dr Gaspar P. Quinato said the equipment would be of great help.

“In Timor-Leste we don’t have enough equipment, and this will be very useful for us. Everything in my ICU is very limited, and much has improved now,” he said.

“We’ve done without a lot of this equipment and we’ve had to try and borrow it in the past.

“The monitor is very important, because the intensive care unit can’t treat a lot of the patients without it.”