Medics’ call for volunteers - can you help?

The Mid Staffs Charters Club has heard from Martin and Joy Bush about the work done by Mercy Ships. Until 2022 there was one Mercy Ship, the Africa Mercy; but now a second one, Global Mercy, is in operation. Global Mercy has a crew of over 900, a mixture of volunteers and local workers. 

Global Mercy is currently on the coast of Sierra Leone in West Africa. Africa Mercy is in Madagascar. 

The volunteers do similar work on both ships. In addition to orthopaedic and cataract operations, they carry out general surgery.

Martin Bush said: “The work we do includes treatment of tumours caused by untreated abscesses, burn injuries, and rectification of problems caused during childbirth. We rely on volunteer surgeons, doctors, dentists, nurses, and people with a range of trades and none. Electricians and carpenters are often needed.”

His wife Joy Bush added that: “In between spells on the African coast lasting nine months, the ships spend time in the Canary Islands in a dry dock. Volunteers are needed in the Canaries as well. Food and accommodation are provided; each volunteer only needs to fund their flights and take spending money.”

Club President David Collier, commenting after the meeting on Thursday, 20 February, praised the work done by Mercy Ships. He said: “We heard that funding comes from churches, businesses and individuals. The money goes directly to the charity, and does not pass through the hands of governments. The presentation by Mr and Mrs Bush included testimony by volunteer surgeons and others on their invaluable work. I hope that people in the county will consider volunteering, whether during treatment phases or for refits.”

David Collier added: “The Mid Staffs Charters Club was originally for members of Chartered Institutions involved in the development of land, and has existed for over 70 years. Its first meeting was in 1950 at the Swan Hotel in Stafford.

“More recently the Club has welcomed members from a range of occupations and retirees who enjoy good company, good food and interesting speakers, whose subjects cover professional, recreational and local interests.”