Chester doctor appeals for help from public after returning from Haiti earthquake disaster

Feb 11 2010 by Ben Coulbeck, Chester Chronicle

A CONSULTANT from Chester has returned from treating victims of the Haiti earthquake disaster with a simple message – they need your help.

Asad Syed, of Upton, spent more than a week in Haitian capital Port-au-Prince and despite saving numerous lives and limbs, he described the experience as “dreadful” and “upsetting”.

Dr Syed, 47, who also works at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, has worked on the front line at many international disasters but he said that Haiti was “something I have never seen before.”

As part of a team of consultants, plastic surgeons and nurses, sent by charity MERLIN, Dr Syed extended his stay on the island as victim numbers were so great.

“At night it was very chaotic and very dangerous,” he said. “There is no electricity and no sanitation. It is devastating. Every fifth house was destroyed.

“It was a very worthwhile experience as we saved some lives. But we did have to take some legs off.

“These are very poor people, all they have left now is their religion. One woman I treated after she had been crushed by a boulder was terrified of losing her leg because she was the only bread-winner in a family of five.

“What is worse is that the hurricane season is approaching. I just can’t see how they are going to survive.

“People really need to know just how bad the situation is.”

Dr Syed is now offering to support anyone who may be holding fundraising initiatives. He would also be pleased to attend events to a give an real insight into the gravity of the disaster.

To contact Dr Syed about fundraising activities and awareness, send an email to: asyed87@aol.com