Last month, a team of six UK-based clinicians, including Cobalt's Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Mr. Peter Hodgkinson, travelled to Kirtipur Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, to focus on delivering cleft care. He went alongside another surgeon, an orthodontist, a dentist, a speech and language therapist, and a psychologist. Together, they demonstrated the results achievable through a multi-disciplinary approach, reinforcing the importance of teamwork in cleft care.
Kirtipur Hospital, nestled on the outskirts of bustling Kathmandu, is a dedicated centre for cleft and craniofacial care. The hospital provided an ideal setting for the team to engage with local clinicians and share expertise, ensuring cross collaboration so the best care was given. Whether in the operating theatre, dental suites, or therapy rooms, the UK team worked hand in hand with their Nepali counterparts. The orthodontist and dentist formed part of a vibrant dental team that even sang while working, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for patients.
The team’s work had a great impact on individual patients, many of whom travelled far to receive this care. One patient Surag, age 9, travelled from Chitwan, a 5 hour trip from Kathmandu, to the Kirtipur Hospital and was seen by the team after having previously had a cleft repair elsewhere which had unfortunately not healed. Mr Hodgkinson, re-repaired his palate and he is making good progress. Another case involved Aarab, also 9 years old, who had surgery to help improve the clarity of his speech, a procedure that had not previously been done at the Kirtipur Hospital, so this was a great opportunity for the surgeons to demonstrate how it is done.
Each clinician brought invaluable expertise, ensuring that every aspect of patient care was addressed. Surgeons performed life-changing procedures to correct cleft conditions, while the dentist and orthodontist ensured optimal dental alignment and oral health. Meanwhile, the speech and language therapist worked with patients to improve their communication abilities, supported by the psychologist, who provided essential mental health support to patients and their families. This holistic approach ensured that patients received comprehensive care, addressing not only their medical needs but also their psychological and social well-being.
Mr. Hodgkinson, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Cobalt Hospital, said, "I am delighted to work with the charity CLEFT as this aims to teach and empower clinicians in low and middle income countries to develop local services themselves.
I am very happy to share my experience with the Nepali team. Everyone in Nepal was so welcoming and genuinely glad to work with us - we even got invited to a wedding!”
The trip not only improved the lives of countless patients but also strengthened the global cleft care community, setting the stage for future collaborations.