Washington University Guatemala Initiative
The Washington University Guatemala Initiative partners with Roosevelt Hospital in Guatemala City. Started by Carolyn Arden, the project aims to repair hospital equipment to create effective change and sustainability to the community. Our team travels annually along with working on projects from home during the year. Throughout the school year, the WUGI team fundraises for the hospital and undergoes intensive medical equipment repair training. The team also partners with La Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala ((USAC).
Roosevelt Hospital
Located in Guatemala City, Roosevelt Hospital is the second largest public hospital in the nation. The facility houses 152 general medicine beds and a 12-bed intensive care unit. The hospital has not employed any medical repair employees, leaving the doctors and nurses with broken and seemingly unfixable equipment. Unrepaired devices are left unused in the basement, costing the hospital time and money. Roosevelt has only recently been able to hire a maintenance staff for equipment repair and upkeep.
Fundraising
The EWB Public Relations department fundraises throughout the year through bake sales and benefit nights, such as pumpkin carving and the Engineers Without Borders Talent Show.All profits go towards purchasing supplies for Roosevelt Hospital, such as ECG leads, ECG electrodes, Replacement batteries, and finger oximeters. Our goal this year is to buy a pallet of medical equipment through Advocates for World Health and to raise $750.
Carolyn and Ananya practicing using an EKG on Ananya
The 2015 team with an infant incubator
Troubleshooting and rewiring
Equipment repair at Roosevelt Hospital
The 2013 WUGI team!
The 2016 WUGI Travel Team
Partnership with USAC
La Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala is a local Guatemalan university that offers a medical equipment repair course. We have worked to establish a partnership between USAC and Roosevelt. University students taking the course can help out at Roosevelt and receive class credit! We also have Skype calls with the course instructor to plan collaboration. While in Guatemala this past summer, the WUGI team met with students, professors, and the Dean, helping to facilitate the partnership between USAC and Roosevelt Hospital.
Medical Equipment Repair Training
Our hands on training clinics are taught by BJC clinical engineers, Margarita and Ron. BJC Healthcare provides real medical equipment that we can dissemble and explore the parts. The WUGI team is introduced to everything from ECG monitors to baby warmers and learns quick repairs and checks. The team also undergoes a tour and training at the JC depot in DFenton, Missouri
Medical equipment repair success!
Hands-on experience
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