We are excited to introduce you to our amazing team of #HealthHeroes in Ethiopia.

These individuals are providing life-changing support for women who have suffered devastating childbirth injuries including fistula, during the pandemic and before.

Second in our #MeetTheTeam campaign – Nina, Urostomy Nurse talks about her work with patients as they prepare for, and recover from, surgery at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital.

Nina is passionate about her work helping women and has worked at Hamlin’s Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital for 14 years – for nine years working as a nurse in the operating theatre, and for the past five years managing the hospital’s urodynamic clinic.

The urodynamic clinic’s main focus is treating patients suffering with long-term incontinence and Nina normally sees patients over a three-week period before and after surgery. “Conditions we frequently see include prolapsed bladder and stress incontinence” she explained.

Nina normally sees patients over a three-week period before and after surgery.

Nina’s role is highly technical and before every major surgery she examines the size of a patient’s bladder and the extent of their injury to share with the surgical team to inform healthcare decision making for the patient.

Each patient’s pathway of care at Hamlin is unique and for some women it is a long journey after surgery to recovery, or learning manage their condition “Sometimes we need to provide long term follow up to patients – this can be for up to even 10 years” Nina told us.

Nina’s warmth and the emotional support she provides to her patients, a vital part of her role, was clear to see. Nina is a vital member of Hamlin’s team, changing women’s lives.

We look forward to introducing you to more members of the team over the coming weeks.

You can support Nina and the team at Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia continue their vital work by donating today. #MeetTheTeam.