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- Talk
- 21/09/2022
- UK
Orthopaedic Response to Conflict and Disaster; Lessons Learned and Transferable Skills - Personal Perspective: Sarah Phillips
Description
The transcript outlines a presentation by Sarah Philips, who discusses the challenges and efforts surrounding limb reconstruction surgery in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza. She begins by thanking organizations that have supported their work over the years and mentions her lack of conflicts of interest. The presentation covers the impact of conflict injuries, including blast and gunshot wounds, and the complexities involved in treating them, especially within a healthcare system under strain from ongoing violence and a blockade.
Philips explains that traditional NHS practices involve extensive teams and resources, which cannot easily be replicated in Gaza due to the lack of supplies and the difficulty of moving patients. The situation in Gaza is described as unique, with a long-term blockade leading to ongoing escalations of violence, which have resulted in large numbers of injuries. The talk highlights specific instances of injuries and surgeries during major conflicts, illustrating the overwhelming number of casualties that local medical teams must manage,
Despite these challenges, she emphasizes the growth of a Gazan reconstruction service, which has evolved through training and collaboration with healthcare professionals from the UK. This program aims not just for immediate intervention but for long-term sustainability by training local surgeons. Philips discusses the importance of building trust, ongoing training, and collaboration over competition among NGOs to improve the overall efficacy of healthcare delivery in these challenging environments.
The presentation culminates in a hopeful note about the future—enhancing partnerships with UK institutions and NGOs like MSF to further develop training schemes and support for healthcare in Gaza.