N.L. medical team in Haiti goes from stitching to sewing

A medical team from Newfoundland and Labrador has gone from stitching up victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010 to showing their patients how to sew clothing to make a living.

The group of doctors and nurses, known as team Broken Earth, has visited Haiti's capital, Port–au–Prince, six times in the past two years.

Originally the medical professionals only dealt with helping victims of the quake with their health needs, but seeing the poverty many Haitians live in has moved the team to expand its program.

Orthopedic surgeon Andrew Furey, the group's leader, told CBC News that patients at the spinal care unit of its improvised hospital are now being taught job skills.

"The team has taken it upon themselves to teach the people how to sew. So they go through three months training and make their own clothing and then sell it on the street to provide a living for them," said Furey from Port–au–Prince.

Furey added that for him and his team moving from helping people with medical care to social action all comes down to the same thing — the spirit and oath to help the sick.