MSG consultant paediatrician Dr Sandie Bohin used two weeks of her annual leave last month to travel to Vietnam and work with the Newborns Vietnam charity at the national OBGY hospital in Hanoi.
The charity works to reduce perinatal mortality rates (babies who die at birth or in the first month of life) through providing essential equipment, holding fundraising events and arranging for UK neonatologists to visit Vietnam to train doctors.
During her time in Vietnam, Sandie gave lectures, observed the doctors at work and carried out ward rounds. With her extensive knowledge and experience in perinatal care she was able to provide valuable support to doctors who otherwise have no specialist training.
More than 40,000 babies are delivered per year at the OBGY hospital. Two out of three births are by caesarean section, which equates to around 60 babies a day.
Sandie said: “Childbirth is such a significant event for mothers, and it is critical that the best care is in place to ensure that everything goes smoothly before, during and after. The neonatal unit at OBGY hospital takes care of babies from all over the north of Vietnam as well as babies born in the hospital. Medical staff need to know how to care for their patients effectively and safely, at the highest possible standard.
“This was a fantastic and challenging experience. The unit was very busy, and a bit chaotic at times, but doctors were keen to learn and grateful to be trained in things that will help them improve. Fortunately, the perinatal mortality rate is declining each year and now sits at nine per 1000 live births, compared with 19 per 1000 when the charity was established 16 years ago. (The rate in the UK is 3 per 1000).
“I am thankful to have been able to share my knowledge and contribute to the overall improvement of care for newborn babies in Vietnam.”
