Texas University, Bridges Global Medical host outreach in Linden

A medical team comprising personnel from the Texas State University and Bridges Global Medical Mission has completed a successful respiratory medical outreach in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara- Berbice).
The team, comprising medical officials, respiratory care students, mass communication students and respiratory therapists, conducted screenings for asthma and COPD at the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) and the Mackenzie High School over a two- day period.
The team also rendered assistance to the Spirometry department at the LHC. Forming part of the team were Director of Clinical Education, Clinical Assistant and Professor at the Texas State University, Sharon Armstead; Lecturer at Texas State University and Director of SJMC Global News Team, Holly Wise; and Dr Claudette Helligar- Thomas of the Bridges Global Medical Mission, in addition to the medical students and officials.
Speaking during an official meeting with the team, outgoing Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland, thanked the team for the visit, and noted that it was a timely one, since many residents in the bauxite mining community are in need of the services.
“We have the bauxite industry here, and many people would have been affected by asthma…So your visit is timely. I know we have many cases…,” Holland pointed out.

Meanwhile, Armstead said the team’s goal is to expose the profession of Respiratory Care to the Guyanese public. Having herself been diagnosed with asthma 4 years ago, she noted that it was during one of her last visits to Linden that she realized her asthmatic condition was “triggered” by something in the environment.
“I could breathe in Georgetown, but when I came to Linden…something in Linden triggered it, and I still feel that…there’s something in the air,” she noted.
Armstead continued that when she first visited the community, she was told there was “no asthma” there; but she noted that it would be difficult to detect the ailment without the proper diagnostic equipment — a Spirometer. She said she was happy to have recently secured a grant to secure two more diagnostic machines for Guyana, but said it was up to the MoPH to decide where they would be placed.
The mobile units which were secured were utilised during the outreach, according to Armstead, who stressed the need for “mobile” units to be used in far-flung areas. She said while hospitals are equipped, the mobile machines are convenient for use in other areas.
Armstead also highlighted that the World Health Organization (WHO) does not state the number of asthma and COPD cases in Guyana, as she stated her belief that this may be due to the unavailability of tools for diagnosis. As such, she stressed the importance of using the correct tool and spreading its use. Armstead further stressed the importance of educating the Guyanese public on asthma, COPD and chronic diseases, noting that the main steps in Respiratory Care are diagnosis, treatment and education.
International Desk Coordinator attached to the Public Health Ministry, Denroy Tudor, who was present at the meeting, said the MoPH was elated for the collaboration. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the LHC, Dr Farouk Riyasat, Regional Health Officer Dr Pansy Armstrong, and LHC Chief Medical Officer Dr Steve Mark were also among officials present at the meeting. The medical team was also attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital prior to the visit to Linden.