A morning photo showcases Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, the hub of this Rotaplast mission. Situated in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, Kiruddu is a public tertiary hospital under the Ministry of Health’s management. It serves as a major referral center for patients nationwide and acts as a teaching facility for Makerere University’s College of Health Sciences. The hospital, with its 200 inpatient beds and 14 outpatient clinics, attends to roughly 300-500 patients daily. Among its notable features are the largest infectious disease ward in Uganda and the country’s sole specialized burn treatment ward.
Ward Coordinator Lisa Byram chats with Recreation Therapist Trina Coffman-Gomez in the middle of the ward as families begin to wake up around them. In the background, Pediatrician Bernard “Boony” Thio, MD collaborates with a local Ugandan Rotaract member to translate and communicate with a family about their upcoming surgery. This scene captures the bustling and collaborative environment of the ward as the Rotaplast team and local volunteers work together to provide care and support to the patients and their families.
A cleaning staff member gazes out of a window on the expansive, winding ramp that spirals through the eight floors of Kiruddu National Referral Hospital. This iconic ramp is a central feature of the hospital, reflecting its scale and the extensive care provided within its walls. The view from the ramp offers a unique perspective on the bustling activity and dedicated work taking place throughout the hospital.
Looking out the window of Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, one can see a group of people washing and hanging laundry behind the building. A large tent provides shade from the warm, sunny weather in Kampala, creating a lively scene of daily life and community amidst the hospital’s medical activities.
Godfrey Yiga, the mission’s skilled bus driver, leans against the side of the bus he expertly maneuvers through the bustling streets of Kampala, ensuring we reach the hospital and hotel safely each day. His reliable service and local knowledge are essential to the smooth operation of our mission.
Looking down through the spiraling ramp inside Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, one can see a single person walking up. The ramp, which winds through the hospital’s eight floors, offers a unique vantage point to observe the quiet determination of individuals navigating this vital healthcare facility in Kampala.
OR Nurse Lynne Baker, RN, and OR Nurse Jeanne Kille, RN sit in the operating theatre, awaiting the first case of the day. Their calm presence in the sterile environment reflects their readiness and dedication to providing life-changing surgeries as part of the Rotaplast mission.
Medical Director and Co-Founder of Rotaplast, Dr. Angelo Capozzi, along with Anesthesia Resident Dr. Payton Gore, Anesthesiologists Dr. Leigh Pederson and Dr. Laura Joanne Davis, and Lead Anesthesiologist Dr. Mark Singleton, gather for a photo in front of Operation Theatre 2, one of three theatres where our team conducted surgeries. Their camaraderie and dedication are evident as they pause to commemorate their collaborative efforts in delivering life-changing procedures at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala.
Medical Sterilizer and Quartermaster Gary Butler stands next to the autoclave, wearing a smile of readiness. He patiently waits for a batch of surgical tools to complete the sterilization process, eager to wrap them meticulously for the next surgical case. Gary’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that all instruments are impeccably prepared, maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and safety for the Rotaplast mission in Kampala.
Anesthesiologist Laura Joanne Davis cradles a baby with a cleft lip in her arms as she walks through the PACU toward the operating rooms. Her compassionate gaze meets the child’s eyes, a moment of connection amidst the bustling activity of the hospital. Laura’s tender care reflects the dedication of the Rotaplast team in providing crucial surgical interventions and support to patients at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala.
OR Nurse Monique Kinney, RN, OR Nurse Jeanne Kille, RN, and Occupational Therapist Kristin Koch sit together, smiling warmly on a gurney outside the operating theatre as they await the last bus of the day to arrive at the hospital. Their camaraderie and dedication are evident after a fulfilling day of surgeries and patient care at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala. Their teamwork exemplifies the spirit of Rotaplast in providing essential medical interventions and support to those in need.
Covid Safety Officer Arzoo Salami, MD, smiles warmly as she poses for a photo with a mother and her daughter after conducting a COVID test. The diligent precautions taken by Arzoo underscore the commitment of the Rotaplast team to ensuring the safety and well-being of patients and staff alike during their mission at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala. Her expertise and compassionate care are integral to maintaining a secure environment for all involved in this important medical endeavor.
Patient Transporter Elizabeth “Liz” Delappe-Seslar smiles warmly as she pushes a patient who recently underwent surgery for a burn contracture, along with their mother, through the hospital corridors. With wards located on the 4th and 7th floors and surgeries conducted on the 3rd floor, Liz has been actively navigating the hospital’s ramps, ensuring patients are transported safely and efficiently. Her dedication and compassionate care reflect the commitment of the Rotaplast team at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital in Kampala, ensuring every patient receives the support needed throughout their recovery journey.