Mercy Ships Volunteer, RN Joscelyn Fischer

Guest Speaker: Jocelyn Fischer – Mercy Ships Volunteer Experience
Meeting Date: 11 March 2026, Presenter: Jocelyn Fischer, Registered Nurse Introduced by: President Hugh
At a recent meeting, President Hugh introduced guest speaker Jocelyn Fischer, a registered nurse currently working at Geraldton Hospital. Jocelyn volunteers her time with Mercy Ships, a Christian organisation that provides free, high-quality surgical care to people in some of the world’s poorest nations who otherwise have no access to safe surgery.
Jocelyn explained that approximately 5 billion people globally lack access to safe, affordable surgical care, leading to millions of preventable deaths each year.
 
 
 
 
Mercy Ships addresses this crisis through two hospital ships: the Global Mercy and the Africa Mercy (the vessel on which Jocelyn has served, most recently in Madagascar).
The ships dock in host countries for around 9 months at a time, delivering a wide range of life-saving and life-changing operations. These include:
  • Maxillofacial repairs (including treatment for conditions such as Noma)
  • Plastic and reconstructive surgery, especially for severe burns and burn contractures
  • Hernia repairs
  • Removal of large lipomas 
  • Eye surgery
  • Thyroid procedures
  • General adult surgeries
All medical, nursing, and support staff—from surgeons to cleaners—are volunteers from around the world, committed to delivering care to first-world standards. There is no paid medical personnel on board.
Jocelyn has completed two volunteer tours with Mercy Ships, working primarily in the plastics ward, thyroid ward, and adult general surgery areas. She shared moving patient stories, including:
  • Reconstructive surgery for a young boy disfigured by Noma
  • Burn contracture release procedures for children and young girls, restoring movement and hope
  • Treatment of adults with debilitating hernias and large tumours
She highlighted the vital role of the local day crew, who serve as translators, cultural bridges, and support staff, helping patients feel understood and cared for.
A unique aspect of post-operative care on board is the creative approach to rehabilitation. To prevent blood clots and promote recovery, medical staff sometimes prescribe “dance parties” instead of (or alongside) traditional anticoagulation therapy—a fun and effective way to encourage early mobilisation.
Beyond physical healing, Jocelyn emphasised the profound emotional and social restoration that occurs. Many patients arrive having been ostracised or isolated due to their conditions; on the ship, they find community, acceptance, and renewed dignity.
Jocelyn described the shipboard routine as comparable to nursing in Australia—typically five shifts per week—with time for leisure and rest on days off. Volunteers come from diverse backgrounds, and patient recruitment is done in close collaboration with the host nation’s health authorities. Ward capacities vary, often accommodating up to 16 patients per ward.
All funds donated to Mercy Ships go directly to medical supplies, equipment, and patient care, as no salaries are paid to the volunteer team.
The presentation prompted many thoughtful questions from members about logistics, patient numbers, volunteer motivations, and future deployments. Jocelyn shared that her next tour would begin in Madagascar and may extend to Togo. Volunteering abroad is a family tradition for her.
 
 
President Elect Bob presented Jocelyn with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the club. He noted that the club’s ongoing contributions would fund 200 polio vaccinations in her honour
 
 
 
 
 
 
[Ed Note from Doc Taylor]  As a retired anaesthetist myself, I was particularly intrigued by the dance parties in lieu of anticoagulation therapy! – Doc.)
President Hugh concluded by outlining the possibility of developing a scholarship linked to Mercy Ships, an idea that generated further interest among members.