Global health: a lasting partnership in paediatric surgery

Background: To emphasise the value of on-going commitment in Global Health Partnerships. Materials and Methods: A hospital link; by invitation; was set up between United Kingdom and Tanzania since 2002. The project involved annual visits with activities ranging from exchange of skill to training health professionals. Furthermore; the programme attracted teaching and research activities. For continuity; there was electronic communication between visits. Results: Six paediatric surgeons are now fully trained with three further in training in Africa. Paediatric surgery services are now separate from adult services. Seven trainee exchanges have taken place with four awarded fellowships/scholarships. Twenty-three clinical projects have been presented internationally resulting in eight international publications. The programme has attracted other health professionals; especially nursing and engineering. The Tropical Health and Education Trust prize was recently achieved for nursing and radiography. National Health Service has benefited from volunteering staff bringing new cost-effective ideas. A fully funded medical student elective programme has been achieved since 2008. Conclusion: Global Health Partnerships are an excellent initiative in establishing specialist services in countries with limited resources. In the future; this will translate into improved patient care as long as it is sustained and valued by long term commitment

Partnership Replaces Paternalism in Medical Practice

"The belief and practice that doctors know best what is good and suited for their patients is deeply rooted among practicing doctors in Uganda. It is benign; and may be well intentioned; but it has had the effect of creating and maintaining an unhealthy dependency which is now out of step with currents elsewhere or even with out currents in Uganda. Assumptions that doctor; nurse or midwife knows best; making all decisions on behalf of patients without involving them; and feeling threatened or offended when patients ask questions or make suggestions - these signs of patermilism should have no place in modern health care. In this article I consider the scope for creating meaningful partnership between doctors and patients. ""Paternalism"" has no further part to play in health care delivery now; and most countries have embraced or are embracing ""partnership""; which is known to greatly increase patients satisfaction and compliance; and also increases the rate of recovery from their illnesses."