The hospital is affiliated with a school where 950 pupils attend. At the time of her visit, they only had three toilets. They now have a new system with 13 stalls. The children had to be taught how to use them. Their families are very poor and inside plumbing in their homes is unheard of.
Charlotte observed a C-section and remarked how it was raining outside and inside as well because of the holes in the roof. The patient was kept dry, but Charlotte was not. Most births are at home. They only make the trip to the hospital when there is a problem. One in ten mothers leaves the hospital without a baby. The doctor in charge of the hospital observed a number of young children were victims of drowning accidents because they had never learned to swim. So he built a large swimming pool so he could teach the children how to swim.
Another observation was that when a patient goes to the hospital, the family also goes and cooks meals in the primitive kitchen with no sanitation.
Charlotte took many supplies for the hospital with her. One of her jobs was to clean out a storage room and put the supplies in categories. She found supplies were stored in whatever was handy; no one knew where anything was. She was surprised at the low rate of infections. The staff at the hospital washed and reused everything they could including gloves and needles. Their diet consists mainly of fruits and veggies and no meat. Charlotte remarked many times of how grateful everyone was. They were warm and loving; she hopes to return there someday. The Thursday Study Club members showed their appreciation for this informative presentation.
President Pat Rogers opened the meeting with members standing for the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer. The June meeting minutes were read by Beverly Smith who was filling in for Brenda Brewer. Treasurer Joan Sinnigen gave the treasurer’s report which was accepted.
The Town Beautification report was given by the committee chairperson, Fran Gardiner. She reported the bridge fall decorations would be placed soon.
Scrapbook chairperson Beverly Smith reported the scrapbooks are continuing to circulate around to each member to look through.
Barbara Zaleskie, Remembrance committee chairperson, reported that one birthday and two get well cards were sent.
Fran Homet welcomed our new members: Susan Storch, Karen Gilliland, and Carol Zuber. President Pat Rogers noted that 2016 marks the 80th anniversary of the Thursday Study Club and asked members submit ideas for remembering this occasion.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 15th, at The Troy Methodist Church. Ruth Olson will be presenting the program, “The Best of China”.