Published on: 3 January 2025
NHS colleagues are preparing to travel to India to help share their skills and knowledge this month.
A total of 18 healthcare workers will set off to the Walawalkar Hospital in Dervan, on India’s west coast.
They include many from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT), staff from neighbouring Trusts in the region and a number from other areas of the UK.
Among them will be volunteers who work across a series of areas within the NHS and will this time include a breast surgeon and an orthopaedic surgeon.
The trip is organised by the SVJC Trust charity. This was set up by STSFT Dr Sanjay Deshpande, a consultant anaesthetist with our Trust, and is supported by trustees and other supporters. They include Dr Lance Cope, a consultant radiologist, who retired from the same Trust last year, who is the charity's Treasurer.
It will be the 19th mission to the hospital. This year's visit will see the team help support hospital staff learn about Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCEs). These are used in the NHS to ensure people's clinical and communication skills meet a standard.
The charity's overall aim is to help people in that area of Dr Deshpande's home country with food, water, clothing, shelter and education. It also offers vital medical aid for whoever needs it.
Dr Deshpande said:
"We are delighted to welcome back many people who have previously been with us on our visits and very excited to see new people get involved too.
"We're all looking forward to heading out to India and helping to make a difference."
More details about the charity can be found through its website www.svjctrust.co.uk
Some of the volunteers during last year's visit to Dervan.
