Update from Eldoret, Kenya! 🏥
Over the past 10 weeks, I have been setting up a 3D print facility at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. The experience has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m excited to share some highlights of my work. A previous student Karin van Minnen already managed to set up this project, whereafter I continued her journey.
Throughout my research, I found out that often medical spare parts are broken, not available, or too expensive. In the past 10 weeks, I successfully replicated/innovated numerous broken or unavailable parts, addressing essential needs in the hospital.
💡 Here is a closer look at some parts I managed to design:
- MRI belt for head securement
A vital component to secure a patient's head during an MRI. With the new 3D-printed belt-like device, the hospital can now utilize the MRI machine again.
- Anesthesia connection piece
There was a time in the hospital when there were no anesthesia spare parts available, so the hospital was not able to perform surgery for over a week. If they ever get short in these pieces again, they can still perform surgery with this emergency solution.
- Dental X-ray holder
This device holds the camera for an X-ray in the mouth. The current X-ray holder was endlessly glued until it broke indefinitely while they had no spare parts. I managed to replicate this device, so they can use it again.
- Finger splint
In collaboration with an occupational therapist, I managed to 3D print a comfortable splint according to his preferences. The previous splint was oversized, inconvenient, and ugly.
👩🏫 In addition to replicating parts, I was also busy with training the staff to sustain the technology. In the last weeks, they managed to replicate some parts themselves as well!
If you want to know more about this project, I am happy to talk about my experience! Also, there is so much that can be improved in the hospital and your support is invaluable. Whether it is computers, software, 3D printing materials, or medical equipment, your help can make a difference. Feel free to reach out if you would like to contribute.
🤝 I would really like to thank my Kenyan supervisor Mark Chebutuk for his guidance, enthusiasm and support and my Dutch supervisors, Jenny Dankelman and Roos Marieke Oosting for guidance and the opportunity to explore 3D printing in Kenya. I also would like to thank TU Delft | Global Initiative and FAST University Fund TU Delft for their contribution and for making this internship possible!
Asante sana!
Posted on LinkedIN March 4th 2024 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/marjolein-wolbers-371a0a177_update-from-eldoret-kenya-over-the-activity-7169273033768075265-AopY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop)
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