Patients - Their Extraordinary Stories...

Dr Hamlin with a member of her staff

Mamitu's Story

Every woman who passes through the doors of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital adds to its incredible history. Indeed, many of the staff first arrived as patients themselves. But no-one has had quite such a dramatic impact as Mamitu Gashie.

When Mamitu arrived at the Hospital many years ago, she was an uneducated peasant girl, frightened, weak and in terrible pain. A few weeks later she was completely cured and ready to go home, but Mamitu felt there was more for her at the Hospital.

The Hamlins were always in need of helpers, and Mamitu stayed on to do what she could. She performed the twice daily chore of changing the bed linen and she cooked and cleaned. After a while she started with post-operative care and was invited by Dr. Reg Hamlin to come into the operating theatre to observe. Before long she was a surgical assistant and, after helping in hundreds of cases, she carried out her first operation.

Mamitu is now one of the world's most experienced fistula surgeons. On August 3rd 1989, both Mamitu and Dr. Hamlin were awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal College of Surgeons in London, the greatest honour for any surgeon.

Mamitu is now involved in raising funds for the hospital. Please read her letter...