In the same year that the Centre for the Working Girl (CENIT) celebrates its 15th anniversary, the centre’s medical clinic has reached the important milestone of half a decade of operation.

During the past five years the clinic has welcomed a grand total of 5,379 patients through its doors - a mixture of individuals attending CENIT programmes, their families and people from the local area who are in real need of medical attention.

Alison with one of her patients.

The clinic has seen a 300% rise in patient numbers since its inauguration, and long-term volunteer Director of Medical Services Alison Smith says all past volunteers and donor should be giving themselves a pat on the back.

“We look forward to continuing to provide quality, reliable, accessible free health care to the CENIT community and other needy members of the southern Quito population,” says Alison.

As the number of patients has increased in recent years, so has the range of the Clinic’s offerings. The medical service now includes a dental program, monthly campaigns, twice weekly lectures to the parents of CENIT children, a comprehensive sexuality education program in the for older children in the Colegio, monthly campaigns in the street outreach program, and a daily street clinic.

Planning for the future

CENIT’s medical programmes look to set to thrive over the coming year, as Alison Smith has secured funding from Spenco Medical Medical Corporation - an achievement that volunteer co-ordinator Sarah Guerette describes as a ‘great job’.

“The clinic wishes to send its heartfelt thanks to Spenco,” Alison says, although she is keen to stress that the commitment made by individual volunteers is every bit as important as funding for the medical clinic.

“Our Street Health Outreach Nurse Liz continues to reach some of the most underserved communities through her compassionate approach to health care,” explains Alison. “Many of the patients have established such a strong bond with her that they are now comfortable in seeing specialists.”

Liz is currently working on gathering the first comprehensive health statistics for the market populations served by CENIT, a laborious task but very necessary.

Alison highlights the valuable work carried out by Health Education Coordinator Jennifer, who has worked hard to develop trust, self esteem, and health awareness amongst the older children and their parents. She alsp speaks highly of the many other individuals who have volunteered their time so the clinic operates smoothly.

The clinic says a sad goodbye

Of course, the clinic’s key volunteer has been Alison herself. After spending nearly three years volnteering with CENIT, Alison has now headed home and will be much missed by all at CENIT.

“She did an amazing job of leaving things well organized before her departure,” says Sarah Guerette. “She can walk away proud of her many accomplishments during her time here.”