The Edmund Hillary hospital is the only hospital in the Everest region and it only exists thanks to the vision and generosity of Sir Edmund Hillary.
We were very fortunate to be able to have a look inside and to talk to one of the amazing doctors who work there.
Talk about a Jack of all trades: this doctor was a living, breathing example. He and his handful of colleagues, provide the only source of medical care outside of Kathmandu for the local people. People walk into Khunde from many miles away. We even heard of a pregnant woman walking in from Lukla. As we had also walked from Lukla, we knew exactly how far that was!
The bit we really liked, was that although the hospital is open to everyone who needs help, if you are a Western trekker wanting medical help, you will be charged around $50, if you are a Nepali, it will cost you a just a few pence.
Our chat with the doctor was cut short by the arrival of a sick baby. The baby's family were waiting patiently outside, but we heard distressed cries so decided it was time to leave. First we felt it was important to leave a contribution in the donations box.
You might think you've seen this picture featuring the donation box before, but can you spot the difference between this and the earlier picture?
As you should have spotted, in the second picture I've been joined by Yorkie. He wasn't there in the first picture as we had a bit of a crisis: Yorkie was lost!!! We all tried not to panic and started a methodical search of the area with our trekking crew joining in the search. After it was looking as if the search might prove fruitless, Yorkie woke up from the bottom folds of the bag where he'd been sleeping, and emerged wondering what all the fuss was about.
I was mightily glad to see him and as a result increased the donation I'd been about to make.
Back soon.
Lots of love George & Yorkie xxx
1 comment:
Phew Yorkie - that was a close call. If you hadn't woken when you did, I reckon your minders might have needed treatment for a panic attack!
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