Hospital has been enjoying an eye-opening African adventure.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon Nick Savva was part of a dedicated team of healthcare professionals from across the South West who headed to Kenya to perform much needed operations.

He spent ten days in Nanyuki in rural Kenya as part of an orthopaedic trauma team representing the Kenyan Orthopaedic Project.

The team of surgeons, physiotherapists, radiographers, theatre practitioners, anaesthetists and medical students performed 30 major trauma procedures that would otherwise not be available or affordable locally. Mr Savva said it was a challenging trip but one he had thoroughly enjoyed.

He added: “It gave me the opportunity to visit a wonderful country with an exceptionally motivated team of healthcare professionals.

“These trips have been running for several years now and the impact that they have on the local community is very obvious from the outset. On our arrival we were met by 40 to 50 patients hoping to be treated with more arriving every day.

“The surgery was challenging and the conditions difficult but the team was prepared for all the problems thrown at us.”

Mr Savva said the trip also proved a valuable learning experience both for the English team and medical professionals in Kenya. He said: “We had excellent opportunities to work with the local surgical team and it is fair to say that we both learnt from each other.

“The majority of procedures were performed with another orthopaedic surgeon from the UK which is a very valuable opportunity that we seldom get at home.

“Dorset County Hospital was generous enough to give me leave for the trip, recognising the benefits that this type of work provides both at home and abroad.”

Learn more about the project at egho.co.uk/projects/kop/