17 December 2024 (Last updated: 17 Dec 2024 14:23)
The project is gathering momentum as it reaches the end of the second year of the five year plan (2023 – 2027), providing a continual presence of a consultant, a trainee and a therapist on the team. Anand Prasath is our current Consultant Plastics & Reconstructive Hand surgeon from Chennai along with India Cox, our Orthopaedic trainee, who has impressively been there for 5 months . A noble effort indeed. Emma Bamford has replaced Frankie Campbell as our hand therapist. The therapists continue to be the most stable and consistent members of the hand team, with fantastic local engagement as evidenced below.
Anand Prasath, Frankie Campbell, India Cox and Emma Bamford
Morale remains high despite the demands of a heavy clinical workload in a low-resource setting. The team's strong sense of collaboration and unwavering focus are truly encouraging to witness. The figures for November 2024 were:
- Operative cases: 42 cases
- (4 paediatrics, 38 Adult)
- Outpatients seen: 313
- Surgical team: 200
- Hand therapy: 113 (27 DNAs)
The diversity of cases include frequent panga knife injuries (at least a few each week) along with infections, skin loss, joint contractures, and peripheral nerve palsies.
A few weeks into the fuel crisis, the team had to use the car less often, opting for tuk-tuks to conserve fuel and avoid waiting in ridiculously long queues hoping to fill up. Fortunately, the crisis seems to have eased. The weather is now getting colder and wetter, but it is still pleasant during the day. In November, the team was supported by consultants Sue Fullilove and Bo Polvson, and hand therapist Frankie Campbell. Then joining the team as a registrar, for 4 weeks from Saudi Arabia, was Jawaher Alkhateeb while India Cox was on a two-week vacation. Bright Mwafulirwa, our Malawian fellow, continues his training and will finish his Fellowship in January 2025, then returning to Blantyre. He has excelled during his time at LION and found the fellowship to be educational, rewarding, and enjoyable). 
Bright will be replaced by one of.jpg)
the new COSECSA qualified Malawian Orthopaedic Surgeons (who has already worked in our unit) followed by a further two Malawian Consultants in sequence for six-month stints. The BSSH and affiliated Surgeons will continue to visit and work with the team. The vision is that one of these Surgeons could become the LION Hand Unit lead, when we leave in January 2028.
Local engagement in the rehab unit at LION Frankie, Daston, Emma and Lucius
Jawaher (BSSH LION Trainee ) from Saudi Arabia, operating with Bright
(BSSH LION Fellow) from Blantyre at the LION hospital.
MY JOURNEY WITH BSSH AT LION: PASSION AND PROGRESS, Bright Mwafulirwa (Malawian BSSH Hand Fellow)
In 2020, as a young aspiring plastic surgeon, I began exploring resource to prepare for my studies. I came across the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) webinars, attended most of them, and found them to be my go-to source for everything related to hand surgery. Even before beginning my formal training, I was captivated by BSSH’s dedication to advancing the field of hand surgery. Immersing myself in their webinars, I learned from world-class experts and strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in hand surgery.
Fast forward to today, I am nearing the completion of my plastic surgery training and have the privilege of working with the BSSH team at LION. The impact of BSSH at LION has been transformative, not only for me but also for the patients we serve. Their presence has significantly improved patient management in critical areas such as bone fixation, reconstruction, and amputation prevention. These advancements have saved lives, preserved function, and offered hope to countless patients in Malawi.
Furthermore, BSSH’s involvement has redefined what a fellowship can be. Traditionally, trainees must travel abroad to gain hands-on experience. However, with BSSH, the model has shifted—trainers now come to the fellows, bringing world-class expertise directly to LION. This innovative approach has bridged gaps in accessibility, enabling me to learn in a familiar environment while simultaneously improving local healthcare delivery.
The collaboration between BSSH and LION is more than a training opportunity—it is a lifeline for the hands of Malawi. This partnership has proven invaluable, and I firmly believe it should be made permanent to ensure its far-reaching benefits continue for years to come.
My journey with BSSH has been an incredible learning experience, reaffirming my passion for hand surgery. As I complete my fellowship, I look forward to contributing to the ongoing improvement of hand surgery services in Malawi and beyond.
Bright Mwafulirwa (Malawian BSSH Hand Fellow)
The wider BSSH Malawi Project remains active and continues to grow, further enhanced by the far-reaching BSSH LION collaboration, as part of its portfolio. We have been invited to the 2025 Malawian Orthopaedic Association (MOA) meeting to deliver a course on Hand Trauma and surgical skills for Orthopaedic Clinical Officers (OCOs). Simultaneously we will support an AO backed Hand Fixation course for residents, OCOs and some consultants. This event holds special significance, as the BSSH Malawi collaboration began at the MOA meeting in 2014. Returning to this prestigious event in the Malawian Orthopaedic calendar is a privilege, allowing us to contribute once again to its esteemed educational programme.
(Above) Some of the BSSH LION team at the Global Partnership stand at BSSH Autumn Meeting in Belfast.
Fundraising efforts are progressing steadily, with excellent support from volunteers, Hand Units across the UK, and increased interest from industry partners. The project has raised an impressive £125,000 already and with the BSSH directly committing to a third of the estimated project total over 5 years, we now have a realistic chance of completion of the project.
Lastly, we are very grateful to all the volunteers and the hundreds of stakeholders who have supported this project over the last year to “HELP HEAL THE HANDS of MALAWI”
Therapists Frankie and Emma with “January” (the LION Rehab Dept. secretary)
The BSSH LION Project team appreciates the fantastic support from the BSSH secretariat, the Global Partnership Committee, the President and the BSSH membership. We wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Joyful and Prosperous New Year.
BSSH LION Leadership Team,
Help Us Heal the Hands of Malawi!
This winter, Kate Owers is taking on a 10 km cold-water swim challenge in lido temperatures below 10°Cto raise funds for the LION Hand Unit in Malawi. Your support will help develop a sustainable hand surgery service at the Lilongwe Institute of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery.
Kate has also created a beautiful photo book featuring stunning images from the project in 2023 and 2024. If you’re still looking for the perfect Christmas gift, this is a wonderful choice! All profits will go directly towards supporting the LION Hand Unit in Malawi.
To purchase this heartwarming and colourful photo book, please contact the BSSH Secretariat at secretariat@bssh.ac.uk
Let’s hit £200K by 1st January 2025!
We’re only £17,118 away from reaching this incredible milestone. Your support can make all the difference!
Donate now: justgiving.com/campaign/lionhandunit
Spread the word at your Christmas parties and help us get closer to the target. Together, we can create a lasting impact! 🎄✨
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