Starting on a Sunday, I begin preparing for the week of work ahead, double checking flyers have been sent out to the communities for the coming week and that patient lists have been emailed to the Primary Healthcare Clinics. I also pack for the week, ensuring my equipment is charged and I have plenty of Medicare forms, patient consult sheets and any glasses required for people in the communities we are visiting this week.
I then head to the airport to load and refuel the plane, ensuring she is ready for an early take off in the morning. Sometimes the IBIS stores on the islands have run out of supplies, so I also visit the supermarket for any last-minute supplies needed for the week ahead.
Before I head to bed, I check tomorrow’s weather report. During the wet season the weather changes so quickly. The latest forecast at least gives an idea of what to expect in the morning. During the dry season the weather is generally perfect for flying, so no stress there. I try to get an early night but with the 4.30am wake-up call looming, I find it hard to sleep.