Helping the Community on their Terms
Pediatric Orthopedic Project cares deeply about the conditions of the hospitals we visit. During our surgical mission trips, we observe and take note of how we can help, but we partner with the local staff to understand where they need our help most. We know that if we can help them on their terms, they can continue to better meet the needs of the members of their community.
POP has improved conditions at the Arturo Grullón Children’s Hospital by: establishing and stocking the first orthopedic supply room; installing 24 ceiling fans in the orthopedic inpatient ward; purchasing a sterilizer for the operating rooms and renovating and equipping a cast room for the trauma patients. We also re-decorated and furnished the OR waiting area in an effort to help make family members of children having surgery, feel more comfortable and less anxious.
POP mission volunteers have lent an extra hand to make sink repairs, paint, purchase and install ceiling fans, and more. No task is too small. When we have lost power, everyone has pulled together to ensure that the patients were well-cared for. Despite the fact that we have had to operate in HOMS Hospital since 2017, we always return to Arturo Grullón during the mission trip to give “a little love” to the hospital where it all began.
~POP doctors assemble fans for the children’s hospital.~ |
~Ceiling fans in orthopedic ward provide relief for patients & families.~ |
~Head OR Nurse Francisca learning to use the new sterilizer for the Operating Room donated by POP.~ |
~Operating Room waiting area after renovations.~ POP donated four new sofas and hired a local artist, Yoel Bordas who painted a mural. The mural is a reflection of what the artist was advised would help put the local families at ease while they wait for their children to undergo surgery. The local population is approximately 80% Christian. POP is a diverse and inclusive non-profit and is a non-denominational/non-religious organization. |
Before (top) and after (bottom) images of the cast room. We also painted a mural of our logo on the wall and hung a picture of palm trees painted by Victoria Wright, a child artist with autism from St. Louis.
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As we provide the hospital with new equipment and other resources, we provide training to the local staff on how to utilize and care for the equipment.
Click here to learn more about POP’s education programs.