Between 17th and 21st November, consultant psychiatrist Dr Robynne Wadsworth and retired GP Dr Ian Happs coordinated a week-long programme of education on mental health for registrars at the Family Medicine Speciality Training Programme in Hlotse, Leribe. They worked at the fantastic new LeBoHA education centre, joined remotely by 6 colleagues across Wales who presented by video link.
The FMSTP course now leads to the qualification of Master of Medicine in Family Medicine, and the content of the presentations had to reflect the higher level of attainment required. Unlike in previous years, the technology worked well and without interruption, thanks to kind weather and a new ‘Starlink’ satellite internet service. The sessions were all very interactive and there were some excellent discussions and debates. The formal and informal feedback was very positive, with lovely comments from the learners and the faculty members.
The week of teaching marked 10 years of support for the FMSTP from colleagues in Wales. Vice President of Dolen Cymru Lesotho Dr Paul Myres initiated that link in 2015 and he joined the team on the first day of the mental health course on 17th November. The staff and faculty from LeBoHA arranged a celebration of the anniversary and Executive Director Dr Elizabeth Nkabane-Nkholongo presented Dr Myres with a glass plaque and a Certificate of Thanks.
On arrival in Lesotho, the visitors were invited to meet Dr Thabo Mokhothu, the Director of Mental Health and Dr Hlophekile Tsita, the Superintendent of Mohlomi Hospital. A follow up meeting at Mohlomi Hospital at the end of the week allowed further discussion of needs and the kind of support which would be welcomed. Further work is on-going, and will be reported in due course.
