We got the results from our nursing school finals last week.
A good Christmas present.

Not one of our 40 students failed. We had 4 distinctions, 34 credits and 2 passes. These results keep us amongst the best nurse training institutions in the country. Such results obviously reflect the hard work of students and staff – both in the classroom and at the bedside.

Obviously I am a little biased regarding the qualities of some of the teaching staff – but the results speak clearly for themselves.

Training health workers has been central to the work of Kiwoko hospital since the early days of health care under the leadership of Dr Ian Clarke. Such training continues to be central to what we do. Training staff who can then work in Kiwoko is critical for us – otherwise many of our posts would remain unfilled, or we would have to accept poor quality staff. Most health workers in Uganda want to work in Kampala, however most Ugandans (who therefore need health care) live outside Kampala.

In addition to those whom we wish to work at Kiwoko, training health workers to leave us and be good nurses working elsewhere is central to why we train. Much healthcare in Uganda is of poor quality – often due to deficiencies in the health workers – sometimes clinical knowledge, but sometimes their heart attitudes are the real problems that allow them to steal drugs, refuse to treat patients before being paid a bribe, or simply not being coming to work when they should. The papers have been full of such cases this year. While all that takes place in Kiwoko cannot be perfect, people know that such practices will not be found here. If they come here they will find staff who care for them to the best of their abilities within the available resources. Developing such staff is important.

So – well done to the staff of Kiwoko Nurse Training school.
And thank you to everyone who helps support them in different ways.

Rory