Sweating Bullets, Mopping Blood

When Heather studied nursing in 1966, she had no idea that decades later her training would take her on a new path. Serving as a volunteer midwife with Médecins Sans Frontiers, living and working in war-torn countries including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Ivory Coast, Sudan and Somalia.

In her book she describes smuggling basic medical supplies into rebel-held regions (including AA batteries in her bra!), managing the maternity section of a hospital that had no running water, no electricity or sterilising equipment and pregnant women walking 10kms from their villages to access medical care.

The enduring theme of the book is the strength of the human spirit in the face of great hardship and that is never too late to take a new path. Light refreshments will be available on arrival at 6.45 pm for a 7 pm start.

Trigger warning: stories of childbirth under difficult conditions and conflict zones.

Please contact Coburg Library a week prior to the event if you have any access requirements for you to fully participate. The Coburg Library meeting room has an inbuilt hearing loop and a personal radio frequency (RF) hearing assistance system is available upon request.

Registration essential