Rose Rehabilitation Cambodia - News & Events

Her Excellency, Ms Penny Richards, helps celebrate Mural Project

2010-10-25T13:54:00.014+07:00

Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, Her Excellency, Ms Penny Richards, was thrilled to be a part of the Epic Arts/Rose Rehab Mural Celebration on Friday 22nd October, 2010. We feel very honoured to have had her attend and participate in our celebration and recognition of the amazing abilities of all people. Joanna (Rose Rehab) and fellow Australian Youth Ambassador for Development (AYAD), Naomi Gow of Epic Arts, were successful in gaining a small assignment support grant from AYAD to run the Mural Project together. Rose Rehab needed the big white wall in the therapy area to be brought to life, and Epic Arts, being an organisation that aims to promote empowerment, integration and acceptance of people with disabilities through art, dance and music programs seemed the perfect partner. By networking with Epic Arts, we are forging a new relationship where health, arts and vocational training will be used to inspire and empower people with disabilities.
For the week of the 18th October until the 22nd, we were lucky enough to have Epic Arts students, all of whom are deaf, teach people with disabilties in the art of mural painting. 6 women with physical disabilties from the Prey Veng Supportive Homes and several patients from Rose Rehab participated in the project, as well as many hospital staff, children, and passers by. For the entire week, disability of the participants was not recognised. Everyone was given a go, everyone participated, and everyone was on an equal level. The participants themselves reported this as being one of the best things about the week, that everyone was respected. Another participant commented that for this week, she was doing her first ever job and she felt no discrimination.
The impact of conducting this project during this week was enormous. So many people joined; the tuk tuk driver, the cleaner, the interpreter, the children whose mother was in the maternity ward. It was such a positive vibe, with the awe of onlookers obvious as they marvelled at the ability of people in wheelchairs, or with no hands, to paint such a beautiful mural. Everyone was patient, and everyone helped out other people. Adaptions were made where necessary, and everyone felt included and valued.

We begin with a very big blank wall! Straight to the cutting in

Already looking good with the base coats The drawings begin, Roath and Sokna

The wall is really alive now!!!

And the absolutely marvellous finished product. Congratulations to everyone!!

A very proud bunch!

Friday afternoon buzzed with excitement as the celebrations began. We were fortunate enough to have Master Kong Nai, famous Cambodian blind musician, play for us through out the ceremony, as well as a vibrant performance from the very skilled 'Tiny Toones'. Tiny Toones Cambodia uses breakdancing, Hip-Hop music, and the contemporary arts as creative tools to empower the youth of Cambodia to live healthier lives free of HIV and drugs, build a more promising future by furthering their educational opportunities, and become positive role models for their community. They welcome all youth to participate in its programs, regardless of gender, social-economic status, physical handicaps, family background, or other personal disadvantages. Their performance was quite spectactular on Friday! All participants received certificates of achievement to both a loud round of applause and 'deaf clapping', which is shimmering of your hands up by your head!

Blind musician, Master Kong Nai, plays through out the ceremony

Dr Nous Sarom, Dr Prak Phorn (Chief of Operational District), Her Excellency Ms Penny Richards, Joanna, Naomi Gow (Epic Arts), Mr Ull Meng Hour (Prey Veng)

Chan Chea stands and walks to receive her certificate, with the very kind, and unprompted assistance from a young 'Tiny Toone'. Example of the respect and consideration for all that was evident throughout the week.

Srey Tum receives her certificate as the audience watch on and enjoy

Tiny Toones perform!!

Dr Nous Sarom (Rose Charities and Vice Director of Chey Chumneas Hospital and Dr Kong Chhunly (Director of Chey Chumneas) address the audience

Her Excellency, Ms Penny Richards, with local Rose Rehab staff members, and below with Prey Veny women and Mr Ull Meng Hour

A fabulous end to an amazing week. Congratulations to all who participated in the mural project, it was such a success!

Recognising Ability ~ Every Person Counts

Rose Rehab Supports Prey Veng Supportive Homes

2010-10-19T09:35:00.010+07:00

Rose Rehabilitation is currently endeavouring to support the maintenance of two Supportive Homes, one for female people with disabilities and one for male people with disabilities, located in Prey Veng Town, Cambodia. These homes provide a safe, supportive environment that allows their members accessible proximity to mainstream education such as High Schools, Universities and Vocational Training Centres in Prey Veng Town. The opportunity to attend school was previously difficult for these people due to them living in very isolated, rural villages without the means or accessible routes to such Education Centres.

These homes will also provide their members with the relevant skills needed to enable them to live independent lives and will encourage them to follow the natural progression for young adults and to break away from dependence on their families. They can now explore their capabilities and see what they can achieve through gaining a well-rounded education and equal access to employment opportunities. This program allows members to become role models - pioneers in fact - for other people with disabilities - showing them that they too can follow their dreams and can have the ability to lead independent and fulfilling lives, and in time will be able to generate their own incomes.

These boys and girls need your help - we currently have 17 out of 29 members that still require sponsorship. Sponsorship includes both living costs and educational requirements and equals approximately US$675/year for a girl (US$57/month) and US$815for a boy (US$68/month).

There are 18 girls and 11 boys respectively in the Supportive Homes which accounts for the differences in costs for living expenses.

Project Founder, Mr Ull Meng Hour outside the second building for the Girl's Supportive Home

The entrance to the new Boy's Supportive Home (they rent downstairs only)

Careers Day at ANDC

2010-09-26T09:09:00.005+07:00

What a fabulous day! Friday 24th September was Careers Day for 'A New Day Cambodia', an alternative care centre for children who were scavengers in the Stung Meanchey rubbish dump. The centre provides a safe, healthy environment for the children to live, and learn.
Our staff from Rose Rehabilitation Cambodia excited to be invited along to speak to the children for Careers Day. The children listened with all ears as Rith he spoke about his role as an administration and finance manager at Rose Rehabilitation, provoking questions from many of the kids. He outlined the path he took to get to where he is today, and the hardwork and study he has done, and continues to do. Quite a few hands were raised and smiles shone when he asked who was good at mathematics!

Sokny and Hoe then talked to the kids about physiotherapy, stimulating the minds of everyone. There were a small number of children who had heard of physiotherapy before, but mostly, no one knew what it was. Some brilliant questions were asked, including what should be done if someone sees a moto accident and someone has broken their leg? The kids were really interested in First Aid and would really like to know what to do in these type of accident situation, which happen so often.

The kids did an amazing job at listening, and giving their undivided attention to the speakers. They earned themselves a well-deserved break where they could bust out into the yard and play football - which, might I add, they are very talented at!

Sokny, Hoe and Rith really enjoyed the experience of talking to the children about their respective careers and were really happy to be able to participate in broadening the kids' knowledge on what they can do when they finish school. They actually commented that they would have really liked something like this when they were at school, and that often people did certain courses simply because the opportunity happened to be there, not because they actually wanted to do it. This itself impacts society in Cambodia hugely, as there are commonly people doing jobs they have no desire or passion for, and as a result the job is not done well. By educating the children about options, and encouraging them to think about what they like doing and want to do, they have a much greater chance at living a fulfilling, productive life. They can reach for the stars!

Above:

* Sokny, Hoe and Rith, very happy after their presentations

* The team from Rose Rehabilitation picture with ANDC staff, Annette and Lisa.

Friday was also the last day for Jillian Thomsen (far right), a volunteer we have had with us at Rose Rehabiliation for 9 weeks. We thank her very much for all her efforts and time she dedicated to Rose Rehabilitation. We enjoyed having her in the office and on the road with us, and will miss having her around. We hope she goes home with some wonderful memories of her time in Cambodia with us. Thank you Jill, safe travels home.

Srey Tung - she wants to read and write

2010-09-20T23:06:00.007+07:00

And why shouldn't she? She's 29 years old, and has had a disability almost her entire life. She was never given the opportunity to go to school, or to learn, or to work, or to do anything fulfilling in her life. Might I add - disability can actually be seen as the result of attitudes and practices that prevent people from enjoying economic participation, social inclusion and equality, rather than the result of an individual’s impairment. Srey Tung's situation depicts this very much - her role in life so far - simply to exist. Lying on the bed in the corner. You know what? She wants this to change. Her family also want this now. Below you can see Srey Tung lying where she has spent so many years lying.

The two pictures below were taken last week, at our first village visit to Srey Tung. Wow, did she pull a crowd! These pics show just a few of the many onlookers. Not a lot of privacy in the villages, everyone wanted to see what was happening. And they were intrigued. Srey Tung was out from the bed in the corner, and doing things they'd never seen her do before. From this session, Srey Tung decided she wanted to be able to sit independently. Such a functional position for socialising, eating, drinking, and generally seeing the world as it happens. Not to mention the other health benefits that come from positional changes and sitting up. All of her bodily systems will improve.

Coming back today, she draws even more of a crowd. Srey Tung is not nervous today, either. She is happy, talkative, and expressive. Something we were yet to see.

Srey Tung's strength and endurance today was impressive. Previously, she could not hold any position of anti-gravity on her own for more than a second. Today, she was able to almost independently arrange herself and push up onto her forearms when lying on her tummy. And she could stay there for a minute. A huge improvement. And she was far less uncomfortable. Whilst still working very hard, she was happy and smiling through out. And extremely grateful when given the opportunity to rest!

In particular, a woman, who turns out to be Srey Tung's neighbour, was there today and was so involved with the treatment session. She was encouraging, and assisted where she could. She listened, and wanted to learn ideas. She had discussions with Srey Tung's father, passing on ideas. This lovely lady was astounded, completely surprised at what she was seeing Srey Tung do. She had no idea she would be able to do any of the things she was doing today. She really wants to see Srey Tung progress even further.
With all the chatting going on today, the topic of reading and writing was raised. Srey Tung revealed she cannot read, and she cannot write. But she would like to. Do something everyday. Learn. Be counted.
That's the next aim - to find a way to get some education for Srey Tung. She is able to hold a pen, and even though not formally tested, I'm sure she has the cognitive ability to learn to read.

This story really highlights the lack of awareness amongst Cambodian communities regarding disability. Very, very slowly attitudes are changing, and this is helped by the implementation of the National Law on Disability in 2009. There is a long way to go, but slowly as the country recognises the rights of people with disabilities, and health awareness progresses, opportunities will hopefully arise for all people to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Chan Chea - walking is in her sights!

2010-09-20T22:44:00.002+07:00

So we're still plugging away with Chan Chea, who is desperate to walk! She talks about how she feels everything has improved - her ability to eat, drink, reach for things, sit up, move around - but what she wants even more, is to walk. And you see, this is a reasonable and realistic goal for Chan Chea. I believe she will get there. She believes she will get there. She practices every morning, and has the support from her entire family. The photo above was taken last week, where she was significantly improved. But today, she had improved yet again. Below you can see Sokny and Chan Chea's brother helping her to walk, slowly reducing the support required, and walking a lot further with less rests.

The video below was taken when we first arrived this morning - no warm up, no preparation. Chan Chea just stood up, and started stepping out from the bed on her own. Brilliant.

What an Amazing Man!

2010-09-20T14:44:00.004+07:00

Tuesday 14th September saw the team head across to Prey Veng to meet with Veterans International staff. VI have significant experience in the area of healthcare and rehabilitation for people with disabilities, and are keen to develop a relationship with Rose Rehabilitation. In particular, Manager of Prey Veng VI Mr Ull Meng Hour has expressed interest in joining with Rose Rehab to assist with funding and support for a separate independent project he has insitgated. Mr Hour is an incredibly amazing, interesting man. An amputee himself, he speaks opening about the discrimination he has endured in Cambodia, and how he has overcome this to be now be working in a stable, productive job and living fulfilling life. Astutely aware of discrimination and crushed self-confidence of those with disabilities, it is Mr Hour's intent to see that all people with disabilities, particularly the most vulnerable - women, receive education, vocational training, and a fair go to prove they are capable and worthwhile.

Mr Hour sustained his landmine injury in 1984 when working with the Cambodian military on the Thai border, rescuing refugees from the border camps. Mr Hour continued to battle discrimination for years, but persisted with proving his capabilities and contribution to society. Eventually, he managed to get a job with VI, and from there has progressed to where he is today - Manager at Prey Veng.

Mr Hour does amazing things for the Prey Veng and Svay Rieng communities. He has an independent project that supports women with disabilities to live together in Prey Veng and receive education and vocational training. Mr Hour's dream is to see the project expand so that it becomes a women's federation, where the women with disabilities support other women with disabilities in obtaining education and work. It is with this part of the project that Rose Rehab have linked in and have applied for grants to support this project. We very much look forward to this relationship developing and seeing this extremely worthwhile project get off the ground. Mr Hour continues to stress that it is not him who is to run this ultimately, but the women themselves. He is not after recognition. A most noble man who plain and simply wants to help others.

The women are pictured below with Mr Hour and staff members of Rose Rehabilitation, and then Mr Hour with Rose Rehab staff.

Each one of these women has a disability, and each woman studies either at high school or university. Without this work that Mr Hour has done, these women would be with no opportunity to develop independence or gain an education. One woman came from begging on the streets of Phnom Penh, and is now studying at university and really enjoying it.

Just another day at Rose Rehab

2010-09-09T12:53:00.005+07:00

Below you can see a couple of treatment sessions we had today in our therapy room, which has recently been transformed from a dingy, windowless, unfunctional room. It's been painted, windows, lighting and a fan installed, and had the attached bathroom cleaned up. So while still without equipment, we have now started treating in this area with the use of a mat on the floor.

So this is what occurred in there today:

Sokny and I met and assessed 29 year old Srey Tung. She has never visited a doctor or any medical professionals until now. When she was just 7 days old, she developed a fever. Her family took her to see a Khmer traditional healer, and after 3 days, her fever settled and she was better. However, they recall she had poor neck control as she developed, and had no power in her arms and legs. So for 29 years, Srey Tung has been lying down. She doesn't leave the house, and has no form of assistive seating. All day, she stays at home on the floor. She is able to roll to her left side, and her right side independently. She would like a wheelchair so she can get out and about in the village.

After assessing Srey Tung, we can see that she has significant leg muscle contractures that prevent her from being able to sit up on the floor, as well as poor strength. She does, however, show signs of power, and it does seem we will be able to work on her strength and function. When we talked about this with her, she said she is very happy to learn exercises to help get her stronger, and stretch out her muscles. Whilst it was probably quite a scary day for her, coming to see us, at the end of the session she stated that her body felt very comfortable! It would have been the first time her body has ever been in some of the positions it went into today, and provided a great stretch for her.

Here we tried supported sitting on a stool - because of her tightness in her legs, it is too hard to do on the floor. She has very weak trunk muscles and is unable to hold herself up, but it is something we can work on.

Lying on her stomach next - something she has never done before, and we got quite a laugh out of her as she rolled the whole way over!

With a bit of assistance, and re-positioning, we were able to get her into a reasonably comfortable position, but remember, this is stretching her out into positions she's never stretched before, so was quite uncomfortable initially. It is also a position that enables her to use her back, arm, and neck strength to prop up on her forearms and look out infront, and to the side.

It was a big session for Srey Tung, but she'd like to see us again, which is great to hear. She says she's going to practice these activities at home with her parents. Next time, we will visit her at home at see what the setup is there, and how we can incorporate activities into her homelife.

Next we saw 15 year old Srey Mien, who has nasty back pain after working in the rice fields with her family. The back pain is so much that it stops her doing activities around the house. She left school many years ago, and has been working at home since.

After a treatment session today, Srey Mien reported she felt better than before she came in, though she was still obviously in significant pain with certain movements. With exercises to continue at home, we will see how she is next week.

Cambodian farm life involves incredibly hard physical labour, with prolonged periods with the body in full flexion, or bent over. It really doesn't surprise me to find a 15 year old farmer in severe pain from such work. Many many people here report back pain, but not many seek help, or do not know that they can. They do not see anyway they can change their habits, as the work and the farming has to be done in order to make a living.

Splints on... and almost walking!

2010-09-08T15:15:00.005+07:00

Presenting... Chan Chea standing proudly in her new splints!!! Last Wednesday 1st September, Chan Chea was fitted with her new Ankle-Foot orthoses (AFOs) at Cambodia Trust(CT) in Phnom Penh. We did a follow up visit to her home on Monday 6th. Chan Chea loves the splints, much more than the casts. As you can see from the photos, however, the splints don't hold her in quite the same rigid position, but have the added benefit of being able to take them off, and being lighter, and cooler. Her fore foot was significantly riding up at the front of the splints, and so we decided to take her back to CT today to have an extra strap added to control the foot better.

So today.... what a day!
With support, Chan Chea walked the length of CT's parallel bars, approximately 10 metres! What a feat for this girl, she's been working so hard at getting stronger, and so wants to be able to walk out in her village and visit people.

Time for a quick rest, very tiring work!

And back to it again

Whoops! 'Chor trong', Chan Chea, 'stand straight'!

Compared with the beginning of the walking session, the support required to assist her reduced significantly. She still lacks confidence, but it is improving all the time.

Given the negative attitude so commonly associated with disability here, it's been amazing to see the support Chan Chea has from so many different family members, each one doing all that they can for her. Today, we met her uncle for the first time. It's great when we observed Mum and her Uncle each providing instructions and learning techniques from Sokny (physio). In the early days, Mum was just continually, and understandably, holding Chan Chea close, reluctant to push her. Now, she's helping to teach her to walk.

A day out for casting of splints

2010-08-26T09:44:00.003+07:00

On Tuesday 24th August we bundled up into the van and took Chan Chea, along with her mother and cousin, to 'Cambodia Trust', in Phnom Penh, for casting of ankle foot orthoses (AFOs), spending the entire day there! Step by step in Cambodia :)

Below you can see Chan Chea's feet when serial casts were removed.

We are able to correct her foot into a better position in sitting, with her knees bent, than we are when her knees are straight. This shows there is tightness and contracture in the muscles that cross her knee as well as her foot. By casting her into as best position as possible when sitting, and then practicing standing and having her legs out straight, we hope this will continue to stretch the muscles and tissues, but it is still highly likely surgery will be required to obtain a more functional position. By making splints for Chan Chea, she will be in a much more comfortable, will be able to remove the splints for washing, and they are much lighter. They will hold her foot in the best position we could get with casting, but will not progress the stretch, as we did with serial casting. Wearing the splints will enable her to continue to work on strength and balance, and then we can come back to further correcting her foot position.
These pictures show the process of casting for the AFOs with the PO (prosthetist/orthotist).

You can see the corrected position of the foot - you can see that the heel still turns inwards a bit.

This is the best angle that was able to be achieved - this will mean that the heel of the splint will need to be built up, so as to provide a 90 degree angle to the ground so that Chan Chea can practice standing and walking.

The right foot is a bit harder to correct than the left.

We will return to Cambodia Trust (CT) next week for fitting of the AFOs. In the meantime, Chan Chea's feet have been placed in casts once again until splints are available.

Chan Chea - stronger and stronger!

2010-08-23T08:32:00.006+07:00

Thursday 19th August saw us head out to Chan Chea's village once again, this time arriving to masses of rice drying out all over the village. As we arrived, Chan Chea greeted us happily, with a big smile, and swiftly sat herself up on the edge of the bench. Her independence in movement transitions about the bed have improved so much, and she really has much less reliance upon her mother already. We can notice a difference in her personality, she exudes much more confidence as she tries every move on her own first, before getting help. She's smiley, and she trusts the small team of physios working with her. Chan Chea is now able to shift herself along the edge of the bed without any assistance from anyone else, only the rail, semi-standing briefly and shuffling herself along.

Chan Chea's mother also greets us warmly as we arrive, offering us delicious 'num t'nout', small rice cakes with palm sugar and coconut, wrapped in banana leaf. Such an amazingly generous family, so happy to give when they are a family with not much. It's the Khmer way, to share. Hardworking Mum then heads out to turn the rice out the front of the house.

So after our social catch up and snack, it's time to work. Sokny and Hoe run through leg strengthening exercises with Chan Chea, and prepare her legs and muscles for standing. She is able to stand up with light assistance, using her own muscles to get into the upright position. Once standing, she requires significant support to maintain her balance. Having not stood for 4 years, her balance and is not good and her awareness of centre of gravity not there. While her leg and trunk strength are improving, her ability to transfer weight and maintain an upright position needs a lot of work. Only once this improves will she be able to progress to taking steps. At the moment, with significant support, she can move her legs in a stepping motion in standing, but is unable to maintain her centre of gravity or control shifting her weight to walk. But this will come!!

Giving standing a go - lots of practice to stand tall, chin up, hips in the middle.

This is practicing reaching and weight shift in the sitting position. You'll see that Chan Chea's hips stay flat in the chair. What will be aimed for will be controlled raising of the opposite side of her pelvis when reaching out, transferring her weight and being able to reach further. Sokny and Hoe will come up with ideas for treatment sessions to help this skill develop, and then carry it over into learning to walk.

Thirsty work!!!

The plan from now with Chan Chea is to progress her function skills and improve her strength. Chan Chea had a slight set back a couple of weeks ago with experiencing pain in her left foot. We arranged to have an X-ray taken, and it has revealed Chan Chea has very poor bone density. This could be for a variety of reasons, including: she has not been weight-bearing for 4 years, lack of nutrition, and the possibility that she was given steriod medication for a long period of time (a LOT of medicines are prescribed here in Cambodia, and they are not always necessary).

So we eased off a little with the casting stretch, and cast her into correct positions, but not pushing too hard. Her pain has significantly decreased, which is great. Rather than do surgery now, the decision has been made to refer to Cambodia Trust to have ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) made, which are splints for her feet. These will need to be modified, with a heel build-up to enable a 90 degree angle with the floor so she can practice standing and walking. Building up her strength, working on her balance and progressing her function skills seems a good option at the moment, and give her a break from the casts. Then surgery can be looked at in a few months time, once she is stronger.

First planning visit to Health Centre, and Construction so far

2010-08-08T22:22:00.003+07:00

On Friday 6th August, we headed out to Svay Ro Lum, a Health Centre about 7km from Chey Chumneas Hospital. Sokny, physiotherapist, lead a meeting with Mr Lonh Komsath, Manager of the Health Centre. Plans were discussed for educational training and awareness sessions for local health centre staff about how physiotherapy can help people with disabilities. Mr Komsath reported he has not seen physiotherapists at the Health Centre before, and is very interested in staff learning more about physiotherapy, and what can be done to help improve the lives of those with disabilities.

Meanwhile, while we are busy out in the community and seeing outpatients in the office, construction on the therapy areas continues.

Below you will see the progressions.

Roof is on, concreting done

The original window of the room to become a small therapy room is turned into a doorway

And space for windows is knocked out

Will Chan Chea walk again??

2010-07-28T21:07:00.016+07:00

Recently, we met 25 year old Chan Chea, out in one of the villages in Kandal Province, not far from Takhmao. Chan Chea become unwell 4 years ago, when she was 21 years old, and since then, has not walked. From the history given, it seems she had encephalitis. It resulted in her muscles changing, becoming very weak and developing some spasticity. When we met Chan Chea, just 3 weeks ago, she was unable to stand on her own. She could hold herself up in parallel bars for a very short period of time, before the pain from standing on deformed feet got too much. Chan Chea showed promise. She had some power in her muscles, and it seemed that if we could help change the position of her feet, and give her a good base to stand on, then with strengthening, could we get her standing and walking again?? So with great casting handywork from physios Sokny and Hoeurn, we started the process of serial casting Chan Chea's feet, aiming to gradually gain a better position. It is highly likely that Chan Chea will also require surgery, which we try to have arranged as soon as possible after her feet are more mobile. Below you can see photos and videos of the procedure over the last couple of weeks. The casting was commenced on Thursday 8th July, with regular casts changes since. Today, July 28th, Chan Chea had her 4th lot of casts applied in the 3 weeks. Chan Chea was also shown strengthening activities to continue at home, and last week was encouraged to practice standing in her casts. Her feet were still not at a neutral position for standing, Sokny's handywork with 'flip flop' shoes to create wedges to place under the heels of the cast meant she could stand in her casts. This was fabulous progress. But today was the day where I really saw that Chan Chea might actually walk again. Today she was so brave. Before changing her casts, assisted by 2 of us, Chan Chea walked about 2 metres in her casts. The look on both Chan Chea's face, and her mother's was of complete joy, and almost shock, that she was actually doing it. Sokny then assisted Chan Chea back to sit down with her Mum, teaching her how to help her to walk safely. Chan Chea's aim is to be able to work and integrate into society. With her disability, she cannot work, and her mother can not work, as she has to look after her. So the family has 2 less incomes, a huge impact on the family. Can we help Chan Chea to achieve this aim? If today is anything to go by, then it's highly possible. She will, however, still require significant foot surgery to further correct the foot, but the casting has provided a great start and enabled her to start strengthening activities and assisted walking in her casts. With discussions underway with surgeons, the procedures will be determined and surgery will occur as soon as possible.

Watching on intently

Visit to do third lot of casts

Just prior to removing second casts,4 days later

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-jymHW0a8I
click to view video introducing Chan Chea

Removing the casts

The third lot

Heel raise being made by Sokny, to allow Chan Chea
to practice standing (need to have a 90 degree angle with the ground)

STANDING!

Below are the pictures taken at the beginning of today's visit, 28th July. Prior to removing Chan Chea's 3rd lot of casts, we practiced walking with her. She required assistance, as her muscles are very weak and the casts are very heavy. Her balance also needs improvement, understandably. She did so well! Her mother has been shown activities to help Chan Chea continue on with at home, to improve her strength.

After the 3rd casts were removed, Sokny assesses her foot

Very helpful chickens out in the community :)

Getting a better position, 4th casts

(28th July)

Meet the Staff

2010-07-21T10:23:00.005+07:00

Here at Rose Rehabilitation Cambodia, at Chey Chumneas Hospital, Takhmao, Cambodia, we have a small, but hard-working staff group. A Rose Charities Australia project in collaboration with Operation First Cambodia, the First-Rose Rehabilitation Centre is now well underway thanks to the efforts of all the staff. Dr Sarom is the primary surgeon with the programme, and the other pivotal staff members at present are our physiotherapist, Mr Leang Sokny, and Administrator, Mr Sarin Kanarith. Or Sokny and Rith. Sokny, our physiotherapist, has shown incredible initiative and drive since commencing his employment with us in early July. Sokny has a lot of experience working as a physiotherapist in Cambodia, and in 2008 completed the Advanced Certificate in Physiotherapy, an upskilling programme run by Singapore University, here in Phnom Penh. Sokny is showing all the qualities required to progress to becoming the primary physiotherapy trainer here at Rose Rehabilitation. Having observed him working with patients and children, I am so impressed with his level of clinical skills and almost even more importantly here in Cambodia, his genuine care for the children and patients, and his desire to help and do the best he can. His interaction with families and children is great. He is showing such promise, and I am excited to see how his skills grow and the ultimate benefit this will bring to the community.

Mr Srey Hoeurn, or Hoe, is a physiotherapist employed by Impact Cambodia, and is working with Rose Rehabilitation, and benefiting from Sokny's experience and skills. The aim is to progress the service to train more of the local hospital staff and increase the awareness and understanding of physiotherapy amongst both the community, and local hospital staff.

Rith has been with us for several months now, and is dedicated and hard-working, and keen to take on challenges. So smiley everyday, his skills are progressing considerably on the job as he tackles the financial and administrative management of a setting up a new local NGO (Rose Rehabilitation Cambodia), the product of Rose Charities Australia and Operation First Cambodia's relationship. Rith has completed a Bachelor of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development in 2009 in Phnom Penh, and is currently studying a Masters of Financial Management. Rith is also showing great promise for the organisation and I look forward to seeing his capabilities extend.

Rith (left), and Hoe

Sokny on the job with patients

Jumpstart June

2010-07-05T21:38:00.016+07:00

After more than 3 years of planning and preparation, the month of June 2010 has seen incredibly rapid production and construction of facilities for the First-Rose Physical Rehabilitation Centre. With the full support from the local referral hospital, Chey Chumneas, and Ministry of Health, we have been provided with a vacant space onsite at the hospital on which to build the Centre and therapy 'playground'.

Suitably, this space is located at the back of the hospital's surgical department, which matches in well with the project aims to integrate services with the government hospital and provide a comprehensive service for patients and the community. RoseRehab staff and volunteers will also be involved in training and upskilling of the local hospital staff.

Again today, Dr Kong Chhunly, Director of Chey Chumneas Hospital, expressed his gratitude to Rose Charities Australia for implementing the physiotherapy and rehabilitation project in Takhmao. He reiterated the great need of Cambodians with disability. There are no rehabilitation services such as this in the area, and many members of the community miss out on such services that can change their level of function, and their life. Dr Chhunly identified one of the major barriers as being a lack of awareness in communities about disability and appropriate therapy options. With the Disability Law implemented in Cambodia just last year, it is a sign that awareness of rights for people with disabilities is growing. A significant change.

Below you will see the progression of the construction from the vacant block it was in January 2010, to what it is so far today. Still a long way to go, but well and truly moving along.

So that's the story of therapy 'playground' development so far. The two pictures above were taken on the 5th July, 2010. Building commenced on the 17th June 2010.

But that's not all.....

Not only has the therapy area been in construction, but at the same time, a staff laundry and bathroom has been renovated. Previously a wet and dirty bathroom and laundry area with inadequate drainage and mosquito breeding ground (Chey Chumneas Hospital has has significant water problems and shortages - another issue currently being addressed), it is now well on the way to a simple, yet hygenic bathroom and laundry area. Renovations began after consultation with the local staff to ensure changes made we're suitable for them to carry out their daily duties. As an example, consideration needed to be made for space in the laundry for the staff to squat to handwash the scrubs. They were extremely happy with the proposed changes, the aspect most happy with - once renos completed, they will be able to lock away their washing soap in the laundry area. Something they have not previously been able to do, and the soap has always gone missing!!! Always interesting seeing the varied perspectives on what is most important for people in these situations.

The pictures below depict the speedy changes that took place last month, and are still continuing.

Plumb lines and bricks!

Many thanks go to all supporters and donors. Without such support and financial contributions, this development could not go ahead. These facilities are what your funds are currently contributing towards building, and are core parts to developing an ultimately sustainable therapy and training Centre for Cambodians.

Thank you so much.

Rose Rehab Cambodia at the 3rd Rose Charities Conference Phnom Penh June2010

2010-07-02T17:56:00.001+07:00

Jo Thomson, of Rose Charities Australia presented the current state of her disability rehab project and outlined plans to expand infrastructure and physio program(s). Plans include, a) a development of infrastructure including the construction of a children's therapy playground in the grounds of Chey Chumneas Hospital, Takhmao. b) training of both physio as well as admin staff (Mr Kanarith has recently been employed as an administrator) c) establishing regular clinics d) instigating an outreach program (in conjunction with IMPACT) e) strengthening the physio networks within Cambodia. .
Jo gave a detailed outline of all aspects of the project to date. She also thanked
AYAD for assisting her in her work. Jo is seen in the photo above mid-left, in black

Joanna who normally practices in Western Australia made several assessment visits to Cambodia before gaining an AYAD (Australian Government) sponsorship to help upgrade physiotherapy services in Cambodia.

Rose Charities, and Rose Rehab Cambodia work as closely as possible with Government plans and programs. Sadly some organizations coordinate very weakly in this line. 'This does not help Cambodia in the long run' says Rose founder in Cambodia, Dr William Grut

Planning the RoseRehab Childrens Therapy Playground,

2010-07-02T11:59:00.000+07:00

Rose Rehabilitation Cambodia ('RoseRehab') Centre opens

2010-07-02T05:34:00.001+07:00

Joanna Thomson, Director of Rose Charities Australia has now opened the Operation Firse / RoseRehab physiotherapy and disability assistance centrer at Chey Chumneas Hosptial, Takhmao. The opening coincided with the 3rd International RoseCharities meeting which was taking place at the same time. In planning and under construction is a childs' therapy playground area....

The therapy 'playground' will consist of equipment and facilities enabling safe, stimulating therapy and play for children with disabilities or injuries requiring rehabilitation. Physiotherapy will be as integrated as much as possible into cultural structures, community groups and, where applicable the whole surgical / medical process