The donated ophthalmological laser revolutionised management for these patients

·  Mr Felise Tonga Finau, Health Administrator

·  Mr. Tu'ifua Taumofoleau, Hospital Engineer

They undertook a tour of Hospital sites in Victoria to assess the feasibility of a private co-located hospital in October 2000

The second was a working locum by Dr Michael Toohey, ophthalmologist, who spent two weeks working in the eye department in August 2000, relieving Dr Afu Taumoepenu, the MO of the eye clinic who was unwell.  Michael had had significant involvement in the project before, selecting a refurbished laser (cost $22,000 purchased with other items last year via a Matching Grant) and giving advice on other ophthalmological purchases.  Thank you, Michael.

 The Ministry of Health is enthusiastic that the twinning programme should be stoked up, and has written to AusAID, pointing out its value, and asking for support.  AusAID, in turn, accepted the proposal, and have undertaken to provide us with a budget of $30,000 pa for the next three years.  This will allow us to undertake 8 exchanges from Vaiola to Ballarat each year, and four exchanges from Ballarat to Vaiola pa- a total of 36 exchanges over the next three years. We are very excited about this prospect.  We await formal confirmation.

Matching Grants

Our application to the Foundation for funds to implement the recommendations of the Carl Miller Discovery Grant has unfortunately been put on hold and placed in a queue because of an explosion in the number of Matching Grant applications. However, this will allow us a second chance to increase the funding, as the original application was constrained by tight time lines.

 The total funds required were $Aus41,425.  They were for roofing materials, water softeners, and sundry medical equipments (Blood Glucose monitors, Automatic Blood Pressure monitors etc.)  Funding on offer came from our own club ($1500), from South ($3,600), Auckland ($NZ5,000) and DDF D9920 ($NZ14,950), which came to a total of $US11,507.  We sought a matching grant of an equivalent $US11,507 from the Foundation.

Following the advice that we have been put on-hold we have been able to re-work our matching grant, and have approached clubs who could not meet the original deadline, but who wished to be involved with our application.  As well, DDF from our own district might be available again. If we are able to raise a further $Aus12,000 we can ask the Foundation to match that as well  We will be able to fund not only our original requests, but also the transport of the dental van mentioned in David Goldsmith's report, and the purchase of a new anaesthetic machine.  We have sent over several anaesthetic machines in the past, but they have all been past their use-by dates, and have not lasted.

 The Dental project

Continues with extraordinary enthusiasm, driven by Dr.David Goldsmith.  David led a fifth visit last year, and plans yet another this year. He will report separately..