This document provides information for a surgical mission trip to Guatemala City, Guatemala from November 6-13, 2011. It includes an introduction to the nonprofit organization Shalom Foundation and their medical initiatives in Guatemala. Details are given about the team members, facilities, and logistics of the trip, including travel information, accommodations, and health considerations for the region. The goal of the trip is to provide surgical care for underserved children through the newly opened Moore Pediatric Surgery Center in Guatemala City.
1. Surgery Mission Trip
Team Manual
Guatemala City, Guatemala
November 6-13, 2011
Austin Smiles
2. INTRODUCTION
The Shalom Foundation
“Shalom” is a Hebrew word meaning “peace, health, safety, completeness, wellness, hope” and
more. The Shalom Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing
assistance to children and their families living in extreme poverty. Shalom provides services in four
key areas: medical care, nutrition, education and housing and community development.
Through Shalom’ s Education Program thousands of children receive the opportunity for a good
education and are prepared to graduate from elementary, middle and high school. Ongoing
Educational opportunities are also provided to medical and education leaders through cooperative
seminars, hands-on workshops, health clinics and surgical missions. Education is an important
cornerstone of The Shalom Foundation’s programing in Guatemala.
Through the Nutrition Program a filling meal and clean water is provided to hundreds each day.
Our Nutrition Program continues to grow with the addition of a clean water initiative with support
from Rotary and church partners. This program will continue to grow in order to serve thousands of
people in Guatemala each year.
The Community Development and Housing Program bring safe, clean homes to families living in
the most deplorable conditions. These modest homes include electricity, running water, plumbing,
fully functioning windows and doors with secure locks. Community development has included
improvements to local schools, water systems, clothing and shoes, community events and clinics.
With support from private individuals and organizations, The Shalom Foundation has served
children and families for more than 14 years.
In 2005, The Shalom Foundation and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt began
working together to improve the lives of children in Guatemala launching the “Medical Initiative”.
The Medical Initiative has transformed the lives of children through surgical care. It has also
changed the lives of participating doctors, nurses and medical team members, transforming their
lives here. In 2007, The Shalom Foundation began seeking a facility in Guatemala City to remodel
and equip as a modern medical facility to better serve the children and to provide a surgery center
for medical teams year round. With the purchase and renovation of the facility, The Moore
Pediatric Surgery Center opens in 2011 to serve children and families from across Guatemala.
Joint efforts also involve Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, VU Institute for Global Health,
Rotary, Living Waters for the World, Children’s Hospital in Denver, Mayo Clinic, various loyal
church partners as well as numerous other organizations in both countries.
3. The Moore Pediatric Surgery Center
The Moore Pediatric Surgery Center serves as a base of operations for medical services and
surgical procedures for children living in acute poverty from across Guatemala. Without
intervention, these children would otherwise go untreated sometimes as social outcasts, facing
life-long suffering or death.
All funds contributed toward the purchase of the properties, equipping and operation of the
surgery center will be tax deductible. With support and guidance from architects, engineering
firms, doctors, nurses, administrators from hospitals and surgery centers, The Moore Center will
function as a modern, short-stay facility with all necessary and expected features. Great attention
has been given to the facility’s design based upon its intended purpose and future use.
The 12,000 square foot facility features 3 operating rooms, 3 pre-op beds, 5 first-stage recovery
beds, 21 recovery/overnight stay beds, crib room, nurses’ station, laundry facilities, sterilization
suite, family waiting areas, elevator, conference room, kitchen, office space. Detailed floor plans
document the use of all space. The facility is located at 6 calle, 0-55, zone 1, Guatemala City --
convenient to many areas of the city. You can visit our website and take a tour,
www.TheShalomFoundation.org
The Moore Pediatric Surgery Center serves as an international “home base” for the Children’s
Hospital at Vanderbilt and for Children’s Hospitals, Medical Centers, and medical teams from
across the country supporting Slalom’s Medical Initiative. The facility will be utilized by teams year-
round. These teams will work with local Guatemalan medical specialists to provide much-needed
surgical procedures to the poor within a modern facility. By partnering with in-country doctors and
nurses for any follow up treatment, the most and best care can be provided to the most children.
This unique model can provide on-going services where there are otherwise none available. The
Moore Center provides hope and the opportunity to heal hundreds of children each year.
Charitable care services provided through the surgery center will transform hundreds of families
each year, touching thousands of lives.
The total cost including purchase, renovation, and equipment is approximately $1.6 million. This
figure reflects the purchase of the property, all related fees and taxes, and numerous significant
contributions of professional services including: design work, construction, remodeling and
specialized installations. Projected costs also reflect in-kind donations of medical equipment, parts
and supplies both large and small impacting all areas of the surgery center and every function.
Financial support and in-kind contributions are
necessary to sustain on-going operations of the
surgery center. Donations from private individuals,
grants, partner institutions, music industry events,
annual benefits and funding campaigns will support
The Moore Center. Recognition is available to
organizations and individuals making significant and
generous contributions. Donors will be
acknowledged at the facility through the Patrons Wall
and at specific locations throughout the building.
Specialists from the United States and Guatemala
continue to work together to properly equip, operate
and sustain the facility. Your participation is greatly
appreciated.
4. Introduction
GUATEMALA
Location:
Guatemala is located in Central America. Its borders
are shared by Mexico to the north and west, the
Pacific Ocean to the south, and to the east Belize,
Honduras and El Salvador. Guatemala covers an
area slightly smaller than Missouri at 67,661 square
miles. It is located in the Central Time Zone.
Weather:
Guatemala maintains a tropical climate and is called
the “Land of Eternal Spring.” Average year-round
temperatures run 75 degrees during the day and
50-60 at night. June through October is the rainy
season, while November through May sees the drier,
most pleasant conditions.
People:
Guatemala’s population is 14.2 million, with approx. 5
million living in Guatemala City. Fifty percent of the country’s population is under the age of 18.
The primary language spoken is Spanish, with up to 40 indigenous languages spoken in the
remote and rural areas of the country.
Culture:
Guatemala’s culture is a unique product of ancient tribal influence
and a strong Spanish colonial heritage. About half of Guatemala’s
population is mestizo (known in Guatemala as ladino), people of
mixed Spanish European and indigenous ancestry. Ladino culture is
dominant in urban areas, and is heavily influenced by European and
North American trends. But unlike many Latin American countries,
Guatemala still has a large indigenous population, the Maya that
has retained a distinct identity. Deeply rooted in the rural highlands
of Guatemala, many indigenous people speak a Mayan language,
follow traditional religious and village customs, and continue a rich
tradition in textiles and other crafts. The two cultures have made
Guatemala a complex society that is deeply divided between rich
and poor. This division has produced much of the tension that has
marked Guatemala’s history.
Government:
Guatemala operates under a democratic constitutional government. President Alvaro Colom
began his presidency January 15, 2008 and will be president for 4 years. The vice president,
Rafael Espada, is a well known heart surgeon who practiced medicine in the United States for
many years. This is an election year in Guatemala and a challenging time.
5. Currency: Guatemala’s currency is the quetzal.
The exchange is approximately 7.7 to 8 Q =1 US dollar. Most businesses (or vendors in Antigua)
we frequent accept US dollars of a VISA, MasterCard of AmEx card. Each member can easily
make a modest exchange of US dollars at the front desk of your hotel (which should be all that you
will need for personal purchases).
Background:
The Maya civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium
A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821.
Since, it has experienced a variety of military and civilian governments as well as a 36-year
guerrilla war which left the country in human and economic despair. In 1996, the government
signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict, which left more than 100,000 people dead
(some estimate 200,000) and created some 1 million refugees.
Guatemala City is one of the largest urban
agglomerations in Central America and the
capital of Guatemala. It sprawls across a range
of ravine-scored mountains, covering an entire
mountain plain and tumbling into the surrounding
valleys. The city’s elevation is just less than
5,000 feet above sea level.
Antigua is among the world’s best preserved
colonial cities. It sits in a highland valley
overlooked by the spectacular Agua Volcano
(3,765 meters high). A little further away are two
other volcanoes Acatenango and Fuego.
Tourists visit Antigua every year from around the world to enjoy its incredible natural beauty,
historic architecture, and unparalleled local shopping.
Electricity:
110v the same plug configuration as in the United States. All travel appliances will work in your
hotel rooms.
6. Population, Health Statistics
and Outcomes
Guatemala, Central America
Population: 14,280,596
Population below poverty line: 75%
Population living in extreme poverty: 16%
Under-5 mortality rate (per 1,000 children): 57 / 50 (m/f)
Percent of population age 60 and older: 5.3%
A significant share, 59%, of Guatemalan residents lack access to any healthcare services.
Even when health facilities are present, they are often understaffed and lack medicines and
equipment.
In terms of diseases, major causes of death in Guatemala still include treatable and communicable
diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, malnutrition and tuberculosis.
Guatemala has among the worst performances in the world in terms of child growth attainment,
with an overall stunting rate of 44% of all children under 5. Guatemala ranks fourth in the world for
stunting rates.
Life expectancy at birth in Guatemala is the lowest in all of Central America and infant mortality is
the highest.
Over four-fifths of the women in the poorest quintile give birth at home, where they lack sanitary
conditions for safe delivery.
*Statistics taken from the World Health Organization and the CIA World Fact book, CLAS Vanderbilt.
7. Team Information
Surgical Team Members:
Bob Clement, MD Team Leader
Stella Denny, RN Mission Coordinator
Kendyl Richards, Ex Director Mission Administrator
Wayne Porter, MD Anes Team Leader
OR 1:
Bob Clement, MD Plastic Surgeon
Dan Ernst CRNA
Paige Pearson CST (Scrub)
Janice Ryan RN Circulator
OR 2:
Jim Cullington, MD Plastic Surgeon
David Wainwright, MD Plastic Surgeon
Carlos Murillo, MD Plastic Surgeon – Resident
Cindy McWhirter CRNA
Barbara Powell CST (Scrub)
Andrea Guidry RN Circulator
OR 3:
George Seremetis, MD Pediatric Urologist
Stephanie Shields CRNA
Leilani Briseno CST (Scrub)
Patti Tabin RN Circulator
Genevieve Mounce, MD Anesthesiologist
Margaret Willis Anes. Tech
PACU (Recovery Room)
Cindy Thomas RN (area leader)
Mary Kay Lauden RN
Daira Wilson RN
Gayle Cullington RN
Surgical Support
Tom Kirk Inner Core/Sterilizing Instruments
Post Operative Care/Floor Duty
Elizabeth Stephens RN (area leader)
Gene Cummings RN
Elsa Colunga RN
Pre-Operative/Triage
Pat Connally, MD ENT
Carolyn Cummings RN
Melissa Leech Speech Pathologist
8. Team Information (cont)
Computer / Photographer
Tara Kessler (JR League) Computer
Jill Baumhover (JR League) Photographer
Dental / Obtuators
Tom Sentz Dentist
Liz Fox RN
Brandyn Raymond (JR League) Volunteer
Non-Medical Volunteers
Deborah Kirk Spanish Translator / Board Member
The Shalom Foundation Team Members:
Dr. Ken Moore, MD Medical Director-US
Allison Bender Executive Director, The Shalom Foundation
Maria Jose de Gallardo Director-Guatemala, The Shalom Foundation
Tommy Sanders Director of Operations, The Shalom Foundation
Claudia Hurtarte Missions Coordinator-Guatemala, The Shalom Foundation
Elisa Arenales Intern-Guatemala, The Shalom Foundation
The Moore Pediatric Surgery Center Team Members:
Dr. Sidney Hagen Acting Medical Director
Miriam Garcia Head Nurse
Rafael Paredes Social worker
Jose Fernando Rios Business Administrator
Joseline Pinzon Receptionist, Coordinator
Mara Morales Book keeper, Facilitator
Nurses, Residents, Social Worker, Translators, Volunteers, Housekeepers, Maintenance
11. Team Roles & Responsibilities
Trip/Team Leader
• Responsible for overseeing conduct and adherence to safety guidelines and is accountable to
the international leadership committee.
• Identifies procedures for the surgical mission.
• Makes final decision on the number/type of team members and approves medical staff.
• Works with clinical coordinator to ensure correct supplies and/or necessary equipment available,
packed, and included in the shipping manifest.
• Participate in pre-trip planning and post-trip follow up meetings as required.
• Works with other surgeons/anesthesiologists to schedule/prioritize cases
• Sets daily schedule if changes are considered while in Guatemala
Surgeons (including any residents and fellows)
• Help determine surgical procedures and required team members
• Work with team and Shalom Foundation to ensure correct supplies, medications, and/or
necessary equipment available, packed, and included in the shipping manifest.
• Participate in pre-trip planning and post-trip follow up meetings as required.
• Screen patients at clinic in Guatemala
• Participate in prioritizing and scheduling patients for surgery
Anesthesiologists (including any residents and fellows)
• Help determine surgical procedures and required team members
• Work with clinical coordinator to ensure correct supplies, medications, and/or necessary
equipment available, packed, and included in the shipping manifest.
• Participate in pre-trip planning and post-trip follow up meetings as required.
• Screen patients at clinic in Guatemala
• Participate in prioritizing and scheduling patients for surgery
• Set up operating rooms
CRNA
• Works with clinical coordinator to ensure correct supplies, medications, and/or necessary
equipment available, packed, and included in the shipping manifest.
• Participate in pre-trip planning and post-trip follow up meetings as required.
• Set up operating rooms
12. Clinical Coordinator / OR Nurse
• Participate in pre-trip planning and post-trip follow up meetings as required.
• Recruit nursing staff by reviewing applications and determining qualifications
• Work with team to ensure correct supplies, medications, and/or necessary equipment available,
packed, and included in the shipping manifest.
• Supervise packing
• Determine team work flow
OR Nurse
• Participate in pre-trip planning and post-trip follow up meetings as required.
• Work with team to ensure correct supplies, medications, and/or necessary equipment available,
packed, and included in the shipping manifest.
• Participate in packing supplies
• Participate in clinic as needed and/or assist in setting up ORs
PACU Nurse
• Participate in pre-trip planning and post-trip follow up meetings as required.
• Work with team to ensure that the PACU has the correct supplies, medications, and/or
necessary equipment available, packed, and included in the shipping manifest.
• Participate in packing supplies
• Participate in clinic as needed and set up PACU
13. Health & Safety Guidelines
• Before you leave, give copies of your passport and any credit cards you plan to use to a
family member or trusted friend. Contact your credit card company to alert them that you
will be using this card in Guatemala so that your card is not suspended due to potential
fraud concerns. This is important for your ease of travel.
• Several days prior to departure, begin drinking plenty of water. Guatemala City’s elevation
is just less than 5,000 feet.
• In Guatemala, drink only purified water; use only ice made from purified water.
• First aid kit will be available (Cipro, Imodium, Tylenol, etc.); see Lori Graves.
• Do not eat ANY foods from street vendors. You can get sick.
• Eat only fruits that can be peeled.
• Take and use hand sanitizer often.
• NEVER go anywhere alone; remain with the group AT ALL TIMES.
• Clean out your wallet. Take only necessary identification, credit card(s) or cash. It is
advisable to purchase a special pouch or belt for the purpose of discretely carrying your
valuable items. If you don’t need it, don’t take it.
• We suggest you leave all non-necessary valuables at home, including all jewelry.
• When possible, always ask permission before you take a picture of someone: “¿Un photo,
por favor?”
• While traveling in vehicles in-country, always wear your seatbelt.
Tips for Communicating through a Translator
• Speak to the audience/individual, not the translator.
• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Speak loud enough for the translator to hear and understand you.
• Use short simple sentences. Allow time for the translator to speak.
• Be conscious of the time factor. Remember, everything has to be repeated.
• Avoid slang. Slang confuses the audience because it does not translate well.
14. Packing Lists
Essentials:
• Passport and vaccine card if one was provided for you
• Second ID such as driver’s license
• Cash (new /$ 20.00) and credit card (only what is necessary – for dinners,
incidentals and shopping. Please contact your credit card provider to inform them of
your travel to Guatemala or your card could be suspended due to potential fraud
worries.)
• Travel wallet
• Team manual, notebook/journal, pen
• Camera, batteries, battery charger and/or disposable camera
• Personal prescriptions, medications (pack in carry-on), vitamins and eye drops
• Glasses, contact lenses, contact lens cleaner
• Hand sanitizer and handi-wipes
• Sunscreen
• Umbrella and/or rain jacket
• Reading material
Clothing List:
• Scrubs will be provided by The Moore Pediatric Surgery Center each day. You are
welcome to bring your own scrubs in addition to those provided at the center if you
have a preference for a particular design or fabric choice.
• Work shoes (for clinic and surgery days)
• Casual pants such as jeans, cotton pants, khakis and/or casual summer skirt(s)
• Casual shirts of your preference: T-shirts, button-downs, long-sleeved, polos
• Casual shoes for the evenings; comfortable walking shoes for Antigua
• Light jacket, sweatshirt, fleece or sweater for cool evenings
• Slacks, skirt, jacket for dedication activity Saturday evening
• Sleepwear, slippers, flip flops
• Work out clothes, running shoes, running socks, iPod
• Belt(s), socks, underwear
Sundries and Miscellaneous:
• Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel, hair spray, blow dryer, curling iron, comb/brush
• Any special soap in plastic container or shower gel (soap provided by Clarion Suites
along with bottled water each day for brushing teeth)
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash
• Tweezers, nail clippers and file (pack in checked bag)
• Cosmetics, cosmetic bag, compact mirror, makeup remover, cleanser, moisturizer
• Razor and shaving cream (pack in check bag)
• Quart size zip lock bags for any liquids carried onto plane; one per traveler
16. THE MOORE PEDIATRIC SURGERY CENTER STAFF
The Moore Association employs a full time Medical Director, Business Administrator, Chief Nurse,
Bookkeeper, Maintenance Supervisor and Social Worker. Part-time staff members for each
surgical mission trip will include surgeons, nurses, residents, pharmacists, laundry and cleaning
staff, translators and a patient transportation/housing coordinator.
A group of fine local surgeons have been assembled to provide the proper pre-screening and
appropriate follow up care for each mission team’s patients. Proper and excellent post –care is
one of the most important keys to a successful outcome for each child.
The Shalom Foundation’s Director for Guatemala also works with our teams providing overall
program leadership and coordination between US teams and our Guatemalan partners.
FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT & SUPPLIES
The Moore Center is equipped and furnished with support from medical partners from across the
US. Visiting team members will feel at home. The more modern equipment will improve efficiency
and effectiveness in the work we are doing.
Surgery Center amenities include:
• 3 Operating Rooms
o Each OR is equipped with:
 OR Table
 Anesthesia Machine
 Central Suction
 Central Oxygen, Nitrous Oxide & Medical Air (two locations each OR)
 OR lights
 Air Conditioning
 Back-up Generator
 Electro-cautery units
(Tour is available on www.TheShalomFoundation.org)
• PACU with 5 beds with air conditioning
• Instrument Washing Area
• Instrument Sterilization Room with 2 steam sterilizers and one small autoclave.
• 20 over-night patient recovery beds including cribs with guest chairs, side tables, wall lamps
and over-the-bed tables
17. • Semi-private patient bathrooms with each recovery room
• Nurses’ station
• Pharmacy
• Elevator for patients transportation from 1st floor into ORs in 2nd floor
• Consultation area
• Team members’ dressing rooms, showers with hot water
• Doctor´s lounge area with AC
• Conference Room with Telemedicine Option
• WIFI Internet Connection within the Moore Center
• Clean water systems for the OR floor and Kitchen
• Patient and family waiting room
• Patio waiting and play area
• Family Cafeteria
• Prayer and ministry room
• Secured parking for Guatemalan and US team members
• Back-up generator
• Telephone and internal communication system
• Electronic security system, 20 cameras, continuous online visibility
• Sewage treatment plant
• Soap and hand gel dispensers throughout facility
• Resident sleeping quarters with bathroom
MPSC will provide:
1. Med Gases (oxygen, nitrous oxide, medical air), central suction
2. Purified water to surgery suites, scrub areas, sterilization room as well as hot water.
3. Electricity including emergency generator with automatic switch after 3 seconds of power
loss
4. Laundry service for all towels, linens and drapes
18. 5. Basic surgical instrumentation and supplies to aid in cases as required
6. Resource for meds, prescription drugs and anesthetic gases to be purchased in country
thru MPSC. A list of basic supplies and drugs available through MPSC will be provided for
each team during the planning period.
7. MPSC will be responsible for all building maintenance and up keep. A Maintenance
person will be available for needs regarding the building, furniture, equipment or utilities.
8. Onsite bio-med technician during surgical mission to assure function of medical equipment.
9. An adequate inventory of basic supplies and medicines according to a published list.
19. STAFFING FOR MISSIONS TEAM
MPSC WILL PROVIDE:
1. Physician who will work with the team, surgeons and specialists in advance of the mission,
during the mission to insure surgeons’ orders are followed, medication is given as indicated,
charting is completed, family members are informed and patients discharged. MPSC
Medical Director will be on call during the night (along with the Guatemalan residents who
are on site) to attend any emergency that may occur and will contact the team leader for
questions or assistance as needed.
2. Nursing staff to cover post-op and over-night stay patient care through well trained nurses
who have been carefully selected
3. In-house Resident(s) on-site, rotating every 24 hours during the week of the surgery
mission
4. Medical Director´s guidance, assistance and support at all times prior, during and after any
surgical mission
5. Secure and pre-screen patients according to specialty and dates of team with charting and
labs in order. Minimum age and weight requirements will be established. Feeding
protocols can be recommended for malnourished patients prior to surgery.
6. Contact, screen and secure a specialist surgeon according to the team’s discipline who will
be responsible before the Guatemalan Health Ministry for follow-up care for all patients.
This surgeon will sign off on the license for US Surgeons and Physicians to practice
medicine in Guatemala.
7. Volunteer and paid English/Spanish translators to assist the team at the MPSC stationed
throughout the building and during their activities.
US TEAM LICENSING, PREPARATION & SUPPORT
MPSC WILL:
1. File for the medical license of each and all physicians that come to the MPSC. Nurses and
aid staff do not require licenses.
2. Coordinate and secure all permits from the Guatemalan Health Ministry to import
medications that the team is bringing into the country. This can only be achieved if the
team’s inventory of meds along with other necessary information is receive by TSF /
MPSC staff at least 6 weeks in advance of team´s arrival
3. MPSC will utilize a paid, professional customs agent who will facilitate the drug import
process along with Health Ministry Letter of Authorization while the team passes through
Customs at the Guatemala City Airport. TSF & MPSC will coordinate the team’s payment of
the taxes on the importation of meds.
4. Provide Lunch for team members at the surgery center (screening day and days of
surgeries).
20. 5. Ground transportation. TSF will provide ground transportation thru an in-house service or
outsourced with insurance. Ground transportation will be provided for the team during the
mission and one day of sightseeing activities in Guatemala City or Antigua, Guatemala.
a. 14- passenger van (s) from 1 day prior to patient screening “clinic” day and up to 3
days after surgeries are completed. Appropriate vehicles will be provided for team
members in excess of one 14-passenger van up to 2 total vehicles.
b. Truck (basic pick-up truck) for luggage transportation (arrival and departure).
6. TSF will provide,Two cell phones for team administrator and Lead Surgeon with 50 local
minutes included to be used for communication between MPSC staff and team. Additional
minutes can be purchased in any retail location safe and convenient to team member
access (convenience stores, grocery or drug stores). Cell phones provide excellent
communication and can be used to make international calls. (Additional minutes for cell
phones are at team’s own expense.)
7. Plan a Celebration Dinner hosted by TSF & MPSC.
TSF AND MPSC WILL:
1. Make available to patients, access to clinical lab at a very low cost and at a close distance,
but will not be responsible to cover such cost. Each patient is responsible to cover their
own pre op, trans-op or post op testing (including but not limited to blood work, clinical
laboratory, x-rays, MRI, CAT scan, ultrasound, or any other requested or ordered by
physicians of the MPSC).
a. The MPSC has subcontracted a clinical lab “on demand” and “on call” to manage
samples for testing including processing and reports needed.
2. Manage a patient’s transfer to ICU if necessary. The Medical Director, Surgical Team
Leader and Guatemalan surgeon will assess the best option for patient care according to
MPSC Procedures. The Moore Association of Guatemala Medical Chairman may also be
consulted if necessary. He should be made aware immediately of any potential transfers to
ICU.
The MPSC Medical Director and/or Medical Chairman will have the power and
authority to decide what is best for the patient and will secure parent consent for
transfer in the event visiting physicians are not in agreement with the decision on
how to handle patient,
3. Provide and coordinate two weeks of post op care and updates on follow-up care of all
patients.
4. Provide patient data available for follow-up and updates. An electronic patient data system
is being investigated and will be employed as soon as possible .
PATIENTS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH:
1. Information regarding upcoming surgery trips through advertising, an online calendar and
pro-active communications with health care providers, the medical community and
humanitarian aid organizations.
21. 2. An initial evaluation by a physician along with necessary testing for proper evaluation and
care including appropriate pre-op care to bolster overall health.
3. Chart and Patient History.
4. Admission to MPSC on day patient’s surgery is scheduled.
5. A satisfying waiting area.
6. Basic hospital supplies while patient is in surgery center (including meals, fluids for patient
only, waiting chair for relative, cafeteria area, waiting area).
7. Post Op Care according to physician’s orders.
8. Guidance and coordination with social worker in advance of surgical visit for housing,
transportation and other needs.
9. Guidance and coordination with MPSC personnel for labs, x-rays, tests and other needs.
10. Post Op and follow up appointments with local physicians.
OPERATIONAL COSTS:
TSF & MPSC has furnished, equipped and staffed The Moore Surgery Center, providing for all
operating costs year-round through fundraising efforts, in kind donations and the generosity of
partners.
Patients will be required to pay a minimal dignity fee according to their socio-economic status as
evaluated by a social worker. No patient will be denied treatment for lack of funds. No payment
agreements will be established with patient families, as the fees will be manageable for this poor
socio-economic group.
Each Surgical Partner Team is asked to assist with the continuance of this project by raising and
donating to The Shalom Foundation/ MPSC for each visiting mission trip $ 10,000 US.
Another simple cost reduction is the efforts of team members getting donations of supplies and
equipment from their vendors and bringing them in their checked luggage. This reduces
operational costs of maintaining inventories. The Shalom Foundation can provide tax identification
forms for deductibility should suppliers request it.
CONTINUED COLLABORATION IN GUATEMALA & THE US
The Shalom Foundation strives to improve overall health, nutrition and medical care for children,
women and families in Guatemala and the US. Through education, training, deployment of
resources and expertise, research, heightened awareness and a strong commitment to service,
TSF hopes to achieve these goals via The Moore Pediatric Surgery Center.
Medical partners and non-profit organizations with an interest in Guatemala have successfully
referred patients to TSF. Our intent is to build sustainable relationships across the United States
and Guatemala to serve children from across all of Guatemala, to increase medical education and
research opportunities. Partnerships and collaborations with fine medical institutions, universities,
22. medical schools, service organizations and research entities are essential to the program. We
seek these opportunities with and through our Surgical Partners.
We will rely upon our own efforts, those of our Surgical Partners and endowment Patrons to learn
more, to establish and grow an excellent medical program touching thousands of individuals each
year.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INVESTMENT OF TIME TO PLAN AND GO!! YOUR EFFORTS WILL
CHANGE LIVES! AND WATCH OUT, YOURS MAY BE ONE OF THOSE CHANGED!