AFOPA member and Occupational Therapist, Ms Merlin Nathan, reports back on her recent visit to Lebanon, 19-25 February 2017, with the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF).

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I had the opportunity to assist in the review and implementation of individual programs with the therapist M Hayan at Al Basheer Hospital, Tripoli, Lebanon.

“The collaborative efforts of the team on the ground are inspiring.”

— Merlin Nathan

In the five days we saw a total of 69 patients (a personal record, I might add!).

We saw 31 cases of children with scoliosis, nerve injuries at birth, hypoxia, and post-operative orthopedic complications.

Another 25 cases of various spinal injuries and disability outcomes and 11 cases with upper limb fractures were also assessed.

I was able to encourage and develop new approaches and skills in the area of treatment. With additional resources, such as educational handouts for parents and equipment for splinting of clients I was able to donate, it was a positive outcome for all concerned.

As a wise Occupational Therapist (OT), Sandra Gray, once wrote, “Don’t come in as the ‘expert’, and pack passion and a holistic OT perspective” into each encounter. The collaborative efforts of the team on the ground are inspiring and it eases the process of mutual learning and understanding.

This is so true of that concept and with every volunteer experience that I have had with PCRF, and highlights what I value most.

Merlin Nathan
Occupational Therapist
Adelaide, South Australia

> Read PCRF article on Merlin's working visit to Lebanon.