December 2010
Tobin Health Center Update
Karibuni!From the moment of the spectacular grand opening ceremony in July, the Tobin Health Center began making a significant contribution to the health and well being of not only to the Abayudaya but to the larger community as well. Unrestricted access to affordable medical care has provided hope to so many. Mothers now have the peace of mind that their children with malaria and pneumonia will be treated in a sanitary, uncongested facility with room for privacy for those who need it.
As we are currently striving to provide excellent patient care, we are also looking forward to planning and growing in the future—procuring medical equipment, hiring more staff, and serving more patients. The highest priority at the Tobin Health Center is obtaining additional medical equipment. Unlike many clinics in town, there is a generator to handle the frequent power outages in Uganda. But the Tobin Health Center now has a vital need for imaging, and other kinds of diagnostic equipment, especially ultra sound.
The staff is enthusiastic and motivated, and looks forward to creating a high-quality facility. Dr. Denis Bwayo heads the medical staff and Masaba Baniru is the clinical officer who manages patient care. The nursing staff consists of Doreen Nabukonde, who is the Head Nurse; Aisha Atika; and Aisha Nakayomba, the nursing assistant. Bernard Wanjala and his assistant Sarah Namalemba run our laboratory. In addition, we are beginning the process to hire a hospital administrator, a vital step in the growth of the Tobin Health Centre.
Dr. Alan Spira is currently crafting the hospital operations policy and procedure manual, which will guide the facility in its day-to-day operations. In addition to this, he is writing a manual for volunteers so that all visitors to the Tobin Health Centre know what is expected of them well and maintain the high standard of care we strive for. This next phase is very exciting, as systems we put into place now will allow for a strong and productive health center, one we can all be proud of.
We will keep you all up to date on the latest details. Thank you for your tremendous support—not only saving lives, but keeping anti-Semitism in check by fostering Abayudaya Jews, Muslims, and Christians working together in peace.
The Tobin Health has had such an impact on the community that local Christian clergy and Imams are supporting Rabbi Gershom Sizomu in his historic bid for the Parliament of Uganda.
Asante Sana,
Rabbi Gershom Sizomu
Dr. Alan Spira
Diane Tobin
