By the invitation of PONT (Partnerships Overseas Networking Trust) Julian Newton and Andrew Pipien of Hawthorn Ambulance Station, Pontypridd travelled to Mbale, Uganda in May-June this year to see if the idea of setting up a much needed Emergency Ambulance System for the region was feasible.

At present there is no ‘Ambulance ‘ service for the general public.

•          While in Mbale we met with many officials, including:

•          Local Government Leader and Ministers

•          Health Minister

•          Chief of Police

•          Directors of Health

•          Administrator of Mbale Hospital

•          Primary Health Care Committee

•          Co-ordinator of Community Health Workers

And many others......

The Ambulance above was discovered in a government workshop and is available for use.

It appears in bad condition, but is actually in very good condition and has very low mileage (approx 40,000 miles.)  It requires minor repairs and a very good clean!

We need to raise approximately £10,000 to purchase 1 or preferably 2 more Ambulances to serve the wider area of Mbale.

This project is still in its infancy, but has progressed incredibly quickly this year.

If you would like to contribute in any way please contact us, we would love to hear from you.

•          Without exception, all of the people we met with were enthusiastic. Together we came up with the following plan:

•          To use the community health workers in a first responder role.

•          Community health workers trained to recognise serious conditions and to refer to Ambulance when appropriate.

•          Mobile phones to be given to these workers, locked to emergency number only. They alone will be able to call an ambulance.

•          We located and aquired the use of two Ambulances for Mbale Town area.

•          Ambulance aid training for volunteer ambulance personnel.

•          Local police to receive same training to use in emergency situations.

Contacts for this PONT project are:

Julian Newton

Andrew Pipien

With the assistance of the Training Department of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust we are currently putting together a suitable training package that will meet the specific needs of Mbale.