Jonathan Hannay, a consultant surgeon in general, colorectal and surgical oncology, has been travelling annually to Chitokoloki Mission Hospital in Zambia for more than a decade.
The hospital is led by Dr and Mrs McAdam, a Northern Irish couple who have dedicated more than 40 years to medical service in western Zambia.
Chitokoloki Mission Hospital from above(Image: NHS Golden Jubile)
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Dr McAdam serves as lead clinician while Mrs McAdam, a theatre nurse, works alongside a small team to deliver care in challenging conditions.
Patients at the small but vital facility on the banks of the Zambezi River often have to travel for hours or even days to receive treatment.
Working alongside Zambian clinicians, Jonathan has performed complex operations, including cancer, trauma and reconstructive surgery.
He said: “One of the reasons I became a doctor was because I wanted to make a real difference to people who need it most.
“I had hoped to work in a mission hospital; however, this opportunity never came along during my training.
“That’s why I’m incredibly grateful that I can do this now, and can’t thank NHS Golden Jubilee enough for all the support they’ve given me.”
Jonathan’s work in Zambia has brought hope to patients facing advanced conditions rarely seen in the UK, often due to late diagnosis and limited medical resources.
He recalled one patient who had visited six hospitals before arriving at Chitokoloki with an advanced shoulder tumour.
He said: “A colleague called me from her bedside to ask for help.
“Ten days later, I flew out and performed her surgery and two years on, she’s alive and caring for her family.”
In addition to surgery, Jonathan helps to train local clinicians in order to build sustainable medical capacity.
He is also working to strengthen links between Zambia and the UK in research, training and service improvement.
Small plane that transports Mr Hannary to Chitokoloki(Image: NHS Golden Jubilee)
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Carolynne O’Connor, chief executive of NHS Golden Jubilee, said: “Jonathan’s work in Zambia is truly remarkable and a credit to the NHS.
“His dedication to improving the lives of others using his own time and skills is inspiring to us all, and reflects the compassionate, innovative spirit that defines our hospital.”
Despite the emotional and physical demands of the work, Jonathan returns each year, describing the experience as “humbling, heartbreaking and incredibly worthwhile”.
Jonathan said: “You go out thinking you’re going to teach, and you end up learning so much more.”