After a successful first relief mission to Haiti over the weekend, local doctors, nurses and other medical personnel say they plan to continue a rotation of trips to help victims in that devastated country.
On Tuesday morning, a second flight of the V.I. Medical and Children’s Relief Trip is set to carry three nurses and at least five physicians and physician’s assistants, according to Peter Patterson, who is helping coordinate the effort.
Another flight is scheduled for Thursday, Patterson said late Monday.
“We don’t know at this stage who will come back or who will be staying,” Patterson said. “Considering the conditions, we think two- to three-day rotations are probably about right.”
Carmen Partridge, who conceived the mission last week, said Monday that plans are evolving as the situation in Haiti develops and as opportunities for local contributions unfold.
On Monday, Dr. Adam Shapiro shuttled three members of the relief team back to the territory after delivering Dr. Frank Odlum, head surgeon, and Debra Maddox, chief operating room nurse at Schneider Regional Medical Center, to Haiti Monday morning.
The three medical workers who retuned with Shapiro on Monday—Dr. Sara Smith, nurse Michelle Shiel and translator Michelle Barker—were emotional, but described a peak experience being on the front lines to help the Haitian people.
“They are the heroes,” Patterson said of those who went and those yet to go. “It’s been long days, but we know we are making a difference."
Tuesday’s flight to Haiti is scheduled to include registered nurses Debra Brown, Gwendolyn Pride and Maria Juelle; physicians Sidney Commissiong, Byron Biscoe and Jim Warshauer; and physician’s assistants Terri Allen and Brandi Cook, according to Patterson.