It’s wonderful now to see the new nursing school alive with activity, filled with students making full use of this modern, purpose-built facility. The difference it has made to the trainee nurses’ experience is truly inspiring, providing bright, well-equipped classrooms, practical training spaces, and a learning environment that matches the dedication of staff and students alike.

From the rooftop of the nursing school, the structure of the forthcoming Nursing Accommodation Block is already visible – the exciting next phase in improving facilities for nursing students and staff. This new accommodation will make an enormous difference to daily life, helping to attract and retain talented young people who come from near and far to train here at The Duncan.

Joining Prof Mackay on this visit are Dr Brian Davidson (rheumatologist), Dr John Schulga (retired paediatrician), and Dr Ali Schulga (retired community paediatrician). Together, they are spending time observing the hospital in action, meeting staff, and gaining a deeper understanding of the community that The Duncan serves.

It is always encouraging to see how our supporters’ generosity continues to help transform The Duncan Hospital – teamwork that links the hospital and its many supporters around the world.

Donate to our current fundraiser here

The post Seeing Progress Firsthand: 2025 Trustee Visit to The Duncan Hospital appeared first on tdhct.

Two years after digging in a foundation stone locals have watched this huge building slowly rise above the skyline until, one bright Bihar morning, its inauguration brought together staff and special guests from all over the word. They came to celebrate not only a milestone in healthcare education at The Duncan but also one that will have a positive influence over a huge region. Cathy Ratcliff, representing EMMS International, was also present to mark the success of this enormous project, which she and her team meticulously project managed.

Global Success Powering Local Change

The Clanton Nursing Academic Block stands as a testament to the power of global collaboration. It was made possible thanks to a mix of donations to the DHCT and funds made available by the success of the Internal Brace, the groundbreaking ligament treatment invented by Prof Mackay. Now revolutionising ligament repair worldwide, Internal Brace royalties provided a huge financial boost to this ambitious project.

Jackie Mackay reflected on the significance of the building, saying, “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building a brighter future for the girls, and boys who will become nursing students and the patients they’ll care for. It’s deeply moving to see it all come together.”

Prof Mackay added, “It’s wonderful to see how the success of the Internal Brace has rippled outward to create something so meaningful here in Bihar. This building represents hope and opportunity for so many.”

Named in Honor of Dr. Thomas Clanton

The building’s namesake, Thomas Clanton MD of the Steadman Clinic, played a vital role in supporting Professor Mackay’s early work on the Internal Brace. His legacy now lives on in this cutting-edge facility, which is poised to become a cornerstone of nursing education in one of the poorest regions in India.

A Beacon for Nursing Education

Eventually, it is hoped that 1,200 nursing students will study here annually – transforming the healthcare landscape in the region. It also addresses a critical social challenge: the education of girls. Training here offers young women an opportunity for education, empowerment, and economic independence.

The hospital’s director, Dr. Prabhu Joseph, gave thanks saying, ” A few of us know the hard work it took to reach this day – a lot of days we have hoped for this day, yet today we are here looking at this beautiful building and it is a testament to God’s goodness.”

At the helm will be experienced Principal, Ms. Dorcas Lepcha, who with a clear and heartfelt vision described the school’s mission, adding that she envisions it as a “beacon of excellence in nursing education, embracing the principles of integrity, empathy, and teamwork.”

Work Underway to Welcome Students

Now the building is complete the focus shifts to equipping it with state-of-the-art resources before it prepares to welcome the first trainees, including our DHCT-sponsored nurses.

Phase two – construction of a new Nursing Accommodation block begins next and will be a vital component, supporting the school’s expanding capacity.

A Day of Celebration

The inauguration day was a blend of prayers, reflection, and celebration before the ribbon was cut and guests and staff enjoyed a tour of the building. Many guests then stayed on to enjoy a vibrant, joyous evening of song and dance to commemorate The Founder’s Day Celebration.

Dr. Graham Watson said, “I often pinch myself when I visit the Duncan Hospital. It is a genuine privilege to be associated with some of the projects in which the hospital is involved. The staff and buildings truly represent a beacon of light and hope for people in this part of Bihar and southern Nepal. Our commitment to the hospital continues unabated.”

Sadly fellow trustee Karen Watson was unable to travel this time but summed up the bright future of the Nursing School by saying, “I was sorry to be unable to travel to the Duncan to celebrate in the opening ceremony of the school of nursing.

I’ve always been so impressed by the dedication and compassion of all staff members. The Clanton Nursing Academic Block is a very impressive building and I’m sure it will be a wonderful environment in which the student nurses will learn and flourish. I very much look forward to seeing it in the future.“

As the Clanton Nursing Academic Block begins its journey of shaping the future of nursing in Bihar, it stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when innovation, compassion, and collaboration come together. For The Duncan Hospital, the future has never looked brighter.

Donate here today

Please note – 100% of all donations to DHCT go to The Duncan Hospital.

The post DHCT Trustees Celebrate Milestone Moment Opening Duncan Hospital’s New Nursing Block, appeared first on tdhct.

The Giving Tree is a charity shop that is part of Dunblane Development Trust – it supports local and international charities, as well as promoting sustainability. They will be helping to raise funds in particular for our DHCT Nurses in Training Sponsorship Programme.

DHCT trustees Professor Gordon and Jackie Mackay, Dr Graham and Karen Watson were delighted to attend the official opening and give a taste of work The Duncan Hospital in Bihar India carries out. Local Antiques Roadshow expert Gordon Foster kindly cut the opening ribbon.

To donate to the DHCT Sponsored Nurses Programme click the link below.

https://www.justgiving.com/…/duncanhospitalsponsorednurses

The post Trustees celebrate opening of ‘The Giving Tree’ in Dunblane – pledging support for Duncan Hospital Charitable Trust appeared first on tdhct.

As well as catching up with old friends there among staff he is meeting new members, seeing how work is progressing on the various building projects, and of course, he is lending a helping hand in surgery wherever he can.

To properly document his trip this time, Martyn Robertson of Urbancroft Films has gone with Prof Mackay to capture some of these projects and people this charity helps to fund and also take footage of the incredible staff that make The Duncan Hospital the extraordinary health oasis it is.

*Please note that neither trustee visits nor accompanying guests like Martyn are EVER paid for out of charity funds. 100% of all donations to DHCT always go directly to the Duncan.

If you would like to donate to our latest fundraiser – helping to train young nurses of the future you can do so here

The post Trustee visit to The Duncan, November 2023 appeared first on tdhct.

“In 1992 a young couple, both doctors, travelled from Madurai in Tamil Nadu to a remote corner of Assam to check out the Makunda Christian Leprosy and General Hospital. They had been told that the hospital needed to be revived, having become defunct 10 years earlier after the missionaries running it were asked to leave India.

Vijay Anand Ismavel had a master’s in surgery and Ann, his wife, was an MBBS physician. With qualifications like theirs, getting jobs or setting up a practice was easy. There was really no great need to leave Madurai. Both of them, however, had other expectations from their profession. They wanted to take their medical skills to the people who needed them the most — the farther away and the larger the number the better.”

Read full article online

The post Doctors out there: Why small hospitals matter appeared first on tdhct.