Page 21 - QARANC Vol 15 No 1 2017

Defence Medical Group (South East)
Deployment to Kenya
THE GAZETTE QARANC 19
After a long and tedious journey, Cpl Louise Arthur and I (Pte Woods) finally arrived in Nairobi, Kenya. Before we had left our Unit Defence Medical Group South East (DMG SE) many people had told us their experiences of Kenya so we were prepared! We arrived in Nairobi in the evening, very tired and not fully aware of our surroundings. Once morning came the heat hit us as did the surroundings and culture which we experienced on the 200km coach ride north to Nanyuki, our home for the next 6 weeks.
The reason behind our deployment to Kenya was to be research assistants at British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) carrying out the Trial Evaluating Ambulatory Treatment of Travellers’ Diarrhoea (TrEAT TD). The Doctor leading this research in Kenya was Sqn Ldr J Rimmer. This research was carried out both in the medical centre at LAB (E) Camp and in field conditions involving individuals on EXERCISE ASKARI STORM. This study involved individuals submitting 3 stool samples over the period of the exercise to be analysed and tested at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
Whilst individuals are travelling overseas, their risk of becoming
unwell with diarrhoea is raised. The particular study from TrEAT TD that we researched whilst in Kenya was the Joint Service Acute Diarrhoea Surveillance. The reason for this study was to test the change in bacteria in the gut from 3 stool samples over the 6 week period. The KEMRI laboratory was based in western Kenya in a town called Kericho. Half way through, Cpl Arthur, Sqn Ldr Rimmer and I visited the KEMRI to take part in some training and visit the laboratory. It was really interesting to see where the samples were shipped to and to see how a laboratory in Kenya worked.
Whilst we were busy with the research we were very lucky to have some spare time to visit local amenities. We visited local Cottage and Teaching Hospitals. I felt very privileged to visit both of these hospitals and the staff couldn’t have been happier to show us around the grounds. These hospitals were eye-openers compared to those run by the NHS. We also visited a beautiful War Memorial, very well kept by one man who was really passionate about his job. Finally we got to visit a local woman’s spinning and weaving refuge. It was amazing to see people working so hard with constant smiles on their faces. The work these ladies
produced was brilliant.
Towards the end of our 6 weeks
we gave our belongings we no longer needed/didn’t want to take home to these ladies. They really appreciated our kindness. In the mornings or evenings we had time to go to the gym and complete personal training. We felt fitter from training at altitude and in the warmer climate. Cpl Arthur, Maj K Dransfield and I were very lucky to get the opportunity to attend an adventurous training package at Savage Wilderness. We completed kayaking, open boat canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, climbing and white water rafting. The white water rafting was definitely my favourite with the warm weather and beautiful views.
The experience I gained from deploying to Kenya as a research assistant has been extremely valuable to my career both as a healthcare assistant and a soldier. I gained knowledge clinically both in research and at a deployed medical centre. I also gained knowledge as a soldier working within a Battle group with 1 Royal Ghurkha Regiment (1 RGR). I would highly recommend any nurse or healthcare assistant to take this opportunity if offered.
Pte Wood QARANC