Day Nine - Santa Teresa

Started work in the Aborignial community today, I got a lift from Alice Springs this morning and arrived by 10am. Essentially Santa Teresa is a small commuity of about 700 people which was originally set up by Catholc Missionaries and the church is still very much evident; there is a large cross on the hill above the community and the church is central to the community , both geographically and in terms of community life.

The clinic itself is small but much more modern than I was expecting; with a number of consulting rooms and a relatively well stocked pharmacy as well as a range of equipment, from the very old and basic to the new and shiny!

Was trhown in the deep end as teh doctor who is based here part-time is away on annual leave, so there was a nurse, a newly qulaified nurse, an Aboriginal health worker and me!

I have already seen several really interesting patients; a late miscarriage, a case of severe chlamydia and PID, a baby with pneumonia, and then a 12 year old who had been hit in the eye by a slingshot! The consultant opthalmologist was on the phone talking me through examingn and assessing the eye, which was really good but unfortunately for the kid he has to go to hospital anyway as he is at risk of permanent damage. All in all a busy but really good first day!

The accomodation is ok, basic but clean!

Still miss you allxxxxx