Meet the Patients of Nyadire United Methodist Hospital

James

Posted: March 21, 2005

Small map of Africa showing location of Zimbabwe and UM Cross and Flame. Deep within the rural landscape of Zimbabwe, Nyadire United Methodist Hospital strives to deliver quality health care services to the community. The spirit and dedication of the staff is inspiring, however, the hospital's real impact is best conveyed through stories of the patients who are so well served.

Six year-old James, a beautiful young boy with an engaging smile, lies in a small bed in the pediatric ward at Nyadire United Methodist Hospital. Having recently lost both of his parents, James lives with his grandfather just outside the Nyadire United Methodist Mission Station.

One day last summer, James was playing outside with friends when he fell and severely cut his left leg on a piece of scrap metal. His grandfather rushed James to the hospital, where doctors examined and cleaned the wound, which was painful to the touch. Fearing tetanus and septicemia (potentially fatal blood poisoning), Dr. Maxwell Rupfutse medicated the cut and fashioned a blanket-tent around James' leg that allowed the wound to breathe and heal.

Luckily, Dr. Rupfutse was able to control the infection and reduce the boy's fever. The doctor is certain that James will be back playing with his friends in no time.

Photo: Six year-old James, a beautiful young boy with an engaging smile, lies in a small bed in the pediatric ward at Nyadire United Methodist Hospital. Thanks to the quick response of Dr. Maxwell Rupfutse, James' leg, which was threatened with tetanus and septicemia, is now on the mend. Photo by Amy Squires 2004.

Read another inspiring story about Nyadire United Methodist Hospital.