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August 2024

Bishops

Eastern Diocese of Anglican Church gets a new Bishop

Revered Canon Dennis George Milanzi(left) was consecrated as a New Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia at a colorful consecration service. Bishop Milanzi takes over from Bishop William Mchombo was transferred to the Dioceses of Upper Shire in Malawi.

The service took place on Sunday 25th August,2024 at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka.

Revered Canon Milanzi was consecrated together with the Bishop-elect of Northern Zambia, Canon John Kafwanka, and Suffragan Bishop-elect of Lusaka, Canon Emmanuel Chikoya by the Most Revered Dr. Albert Chama; the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa.
The occasion was graced by Mr. President Hakainde Hichilema the President of the Republic of Zambia and was attended by Bishops, Priests and Christians from Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Zimbabwe and other parts of the world.

Prior to his consecration, Canon Milanzi was the Director of Theological Education by Extension Zambia at Mindolo Ecumenical Centre in Kitwe. He has more than 18 years of ministry in the Anglican Church and served in various positions including being a Chaplain at St. Francis Hospital.

As a Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Eastern Zambia, Bishop Milanzi will be Co- Chairperson of the Board of St. Francis Hospital. He will bring to the table a rich experience of working with Non-Profit Making organisations and Faith Based Organisations. The hospital will greatly benefit from his skills in project development and fundraising.

Sewer system renovation

Sewer rehabilitation project

On the 26th of June the management of SFH signed a contract with MUSP Works Limited Zambia, the contractor that was selected to undertake the rehabilitation part of the sewer system at the hospital. The works commenced in July. The works will include a construction of a septic tank, soak-away and construction of a 300meters septic pipe line.

The hospital has been using septic tanks and soak-away but with the increase in population of staff and patients, this system is no longer sustainable.
This of course is a small project which contribute to the improvement of the disposal of sewer effluent thereby preventing stagnation and flooding. This will to the certain extent mitigate water pollution, maintain environmental healthiness and hydrological balance in a short term. But the hospital requires a total overhaul of the sewer system in a long term.

The Medical Support Group from the Netherlands will fund this 5,600 Euro worth project. These major works will be supervised by SFH project manager, Mr. Chungu Mutale.

Renovation laboratory

Renovation of the Medical Laboratory – a game changer for patients and staff

On the 27th of June the management of SFH drew up the contract with Top Firm Zambia, the contractor that won the tender for renovation and expansion of the Medical Laboratory. The works will start in July.

Mr Kapembwa Sikwewa

Mr. Kapembwa Sikwewa, the Biomedical Scientist and the Laboratory in Charge, has described the upcoming renovation and expansion of the Medical Laboratory at St. Francis Hospital as a Game Changer.
Mr. Sikwewa: “The renovation will promote safety for patients and staff, good organisation and increase the profile of investigations to be done. This will eventually help the SFH Medical Laboratory to meet the standards for the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) accreditation.”

The Medical Support Group and Wildegeese of the Netherlands will fund this 100.000 Euro worth project. These major works will be supervised by SFH project manager, Mr Chungu Mutale.

Authored by Fred P. Ntongwe

Schermafbeelding 2024-08-22 om 16.29.10

In memoriam Professor Robert

St. Francis Hospital staff pay special tribute to Professor Robert Bleichrodt

Many friends and workmates at St. Francis Mission Hospital in Katete Zambia joined the rest of the family and friends in Netherlands in paying their last respect to late Professor Robert Bleichrodt.
Speaking after the moving funeral ceremony which was transmitted online on Tuesday 20th August,2024, Dr. Lalick Banda the Senior Medical Superintendent described him as a selfless and hardworking Doctor who strived to improve the lives of people in Africa.
Dr. Ziche Makukula who worked closely with Professor Robert for many years said ’Professor Robert was a nice person who always ready to share his knowledge with others.’ Dr. Dayson Kumwenda who succeeded Professor Robert described him as a person who was always ahead of time.

Professor Robert worked at St. Francis Hospital from 2012 to 2018 as a General Surgeon. During his time at the hospital he was very instrumental in the improvement of infrastructure at the hospital culminating in the establishment of the Burns unit which was named in his honour. He also lobbied for surgical equipment, instruments and supplies.

He will also be remembered for advocating access to safe and clean water through the provisions of borehole to the community of Katete District.

The news of Professor Robert’s death was received with shock on the morning of Tuesday 13th August,2024.

A book of Condolences has since been opened at the hospital. May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace!!!

Dialysis Unit

Construction of a Dialysis Unit

A significant milestone in service delivery
On the 13th December, 2023 the management of St. Francis Hospital signed the contract with Africa Kidney Care Network Zambia to finance the construction and equipping of the Dialysis Unit at the hospital.

 Dialysis is a treatment that replicates the kidney’s function and cleans the waste from blood for individuals with kidney disease or kidney failure. If these waste products are not removed from the body can lead to serious disease and eventually death.

Africa Kidney Care Hospital Network engaged Walltech Construction Company to undertake the construction of the unit. The company started the construction of the unit on 1st July,2024 and is expected to be completed by 31st October, 2024.

Many patients with kidney diseases are currently being referred to the big hospital in Lusaka over 500 kilometers away for treatment. Many patients die as they unable to go to Lusaka because it is expensive.

The construction of this unit has been described by many as a significant milestone in the delivery of health services at the hospital as many lives will be saved and it will reduce the cost of evacuating patients to Lusaka.

Bram van Bruggen

Bram van Bruggen

The life of a final year medical student in the surgical department of St Francis’ Hospital in Katete, Zambia
Bram van Bruggen 2023: January 18 to April 14

The more than three months in Zambia are over, and I have tried to summarize the three months. For those who have little patience I wrote a short version, then an extended one. The short version is published here.
In the beginning it took some getting used to, lonely and shitty, pardon my French. Because none of the ANIOS talked to or with me, and I got the impression that they only saw me as the Western student tourist who came to fill the hospital coffers. Just when I started to lose hope and wonder how I would survive the 12 weeks, there was a sudden turnaround after three weeks. My colleagues opened up, it became interesting, fun, bizarre things happened, there was a chronic shortage of everything, there was absolutely no structure, the Zambian doctors worked very hard but not as efficiently and sustainably, and I have two very nice friendships built on top of many other valuable contacts. Everything was possible. In the end, I feel strongly connected to the surgical team. Saying goodbye felt like I had to amputate part of myself and that hurts, partly because there is a chance that I will never come back – God only knows.