Provisional Trip dates
2026 January 12th - 16th to Cambodia
2026 November 16th - 20th to Cambodia
2027 January 11th - 15th to Cambodia
NEWS
Dec 2025
Temporary Suspension of In-Country Visits
Transform Healthcare Cambodia has temporarily suspended all visits to Cambodia in response to recent escalations in fighting, including aircraft and drone activity over Battambang and bombing within parts of the province.
This precautionary decision reflects our duty of care and safeguarding responsibilities as a charity and has been taken solely to ensure the safety and wellbeing of volunteers travelling as part of our work.
Our commitment to supporting the education, training, and professional development of Cambodian healthcare professionals remains unchanged. The situation will be reviewed on a regular basis, informed by available intelligence and advice, with the intention of reinstating in-country activity as soon as conditions are safe and stable.
We sincerely hope that the recently announced ceasefire will be sustained and hold our Cambodian colleagues, their families, and communities in our thoughts at this difficult time.
November 2025 trip Qualified trip
In November 2025 THC chair Sue Smith OBE led a team to Cambodia. Sadly Catherine Randall, who was due to lead the team, had to pull out for health reasons but she looks forward to leading a future team.
The visit was ultimately productive and highly valued by Transform Healthcare Cambodia professional registered healthcare volunteers and by Cambodian colleagues.
THC volunteers delivered teaching and observed practice in Battambang Provincial Referral Hospital in emergency care, medicine, paediatrics, midwifery, dentistry, intensive care and theatre recovery with topics including cardiac arrhythmias, intermittent auscultation, infection control, antibiotic stewardship and documentation and clinical audit. The team introduced a one-year E-learning pilot on intermittent auscultation for seven Khmer midwives with the aim of improving outcomes for mothers and unborn babies by regular and consistent monitoring, enabling action to be taken quickly if a mother or baby’s condition changes. Mutual learning took place throughout, with Khmer colleagues generously sharing their own expertise and clinical experience.
Sue was taken out to rural health clinics by former medical director of Battambang Provincial Referral Hospital Dr Kak Seila. There she found exceptional cleanliness and ownership, strong leadership from health centre chiefs who were midwives and nurses, high patient activity despite limited resources, deep professionalism and warm hospitality.
November 2025 Student trip
At the end of October 11 second year Teesside University nursing students, THC director and senior lecturer at the university Graham Jones and Gabrielle Christie, a senior lecturer and cognitive behavioural therapist who was supporting Graham, set off for Cambodia.
After a few days in Phnom Penh to learn about the country’s history and culture, as well as seeing the sights, the group made their way to Battambang for the start of the placement.
There were teaching sessions at the School of Nursing and at a primary school where children were taught to clean their teeth and wash their hands. The school directors praised the students for their knowledge and professionalism.
The experience gained at Roka Hospital, the Nursing School and the primary school was a truly wonderful and meaningful experience. The students embraced the experience and learned so much from the chief nurse, Yen Rady and hospital director Dr Eng Samnang. Students commented that the experience was truly wonderful and transformative. It broadened their perspective and strengthened their appreciation for compassionate care which helped them grow both personally and professionally.
One student commented: “I would like to express my appreciation to Graham Jones for giving me the most amazing opportunity to participate in a placement in Cambodia. Reflecting on my time in Cambodia, I have grown both professionally and personally, and this experience has definitely impacted my future nursing career in a positive manner. I have gained resilience, cultural competence and most of all confidence.”
16th October 2025 THC board development day
Opening the development day, THC chair Sue Smith OBE reflected on the significant achievements of the charity in the past year, namely effective trips to Cambodia by student health professionals and professionals, meeting the needs and education and training requests of our Cambodian colleagues and a successful UK study tour for Rady Yen, chief nurse at the Roka Community Hospital and head of dentistry Mr Chong Vantha. Sue said the charity is in a period transition broadening activities and partnerships to benefit our Cambodian colleagues.
Ensuring the future of the charity is vital and, to that end, an associate board member programme was discussed. Having associate board members will enhance board diversity and prepare associates for future board roles, ensuring the charity can function effectively in the future.
Director Paul Tynan updated the board about a proposed research collaboration between the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust and Battambang Provincial Referral Hospital looking at antimicrobial stewardship.
June 2025
Transform Healthcare Cambodia Clinicians Begin UK Study Tour in the North East and Lancashire
Two dedicated Khmer clinicians from Transform Healthcare Cambodia have arrived in the UK for a two-week professional development placement, supported by NHS organisations and universities in the North East and North West of England.
Accompanied by members of the Transform Healthcare Cambodia team, they begin their study tour this week in Yarm, where they will be hosted by the excellent teams at North Tees and South Tees Hospitals and Teesside University. Their programme includes clinical observation, university teaching sessions, and opportunities to engage with NHS colleagues across services.
Next weekend, they will return to Lancaster to continue their learning journey with the support of University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, the University of Cumbria, St John’s Hospice, Lancaster Medical Practice, and Hest Bank Dental Practice. This leg of the tour will further deepen their insight into UK healthcare systems, primary care delivery, and interprofessional education.
Though their schedule leaves little time for sightseeing, the team is committed to giving them a meaningful taste of English life and culture; one they can carry home with pride.
This immersive study tour is made possible thanks to the generosity and collaboration of our UK healthcare partners, academic institutions, and supporters. We offer sincere thanks to everyone involved in arranging and hosting this enriching experience.
A very special thank you goes to NEXT for their kind donation to Transform Healthcare Cambodia, helping to fund the clinicians’ travel to the UK. Their support is helping to build lasting global partnerships in healthcare education and service improvement.
Transform Healthcare Cambodia is a UK-registered charity dedicated to strengthening healthcare in Cambodia through professional training, international partnerships, and sustainable development initiatives.
April 14th 2025
It was fantastic to see so many people at Teesside University last night for the launch of Dr Edwin Pugh’s book ‘Conflicted.’
The event was hosted by THC director and senior lecturer at the university Graham Jones. Edwin talked about his and his wife Kim’s experience working at the Site 8 refugee camp on the Cambodia/Thailand Border in the late 80s. Last year, while in Cambodia, he met one of the doctors he had trained there so many years ago. When Edwin told him he had photos and diaries, he encouraged him to write a book, so this vital part of Cambodia history was not lost. The book, whose proceeds will go towards charitable work in Cambodia, is dedicated to those who lived in the camp.
Chair of THC Sue Smith OBE talked about the charity, how it came about and what has been achieved, working with our respected Cambodia colleagues, over the years. She also told people hoe they could join future teams and get involved with this vital and life changing work.
Graham spoke about the student trips – over 100 second year nursing students (some of whom were in the audience)- and the difference they have made to our Cambodian friends and their own practice in the NHS. He thanked former Dean Paul Keane for having the vision to support this ambitious project in the early days and current Dean Ann French and other colleagues at the university for support.
It was fabulous to see students who had made the trip and are now qualified and the profound effect this had on them, both personally and professionally, and to meet the students who are excited about going to Cambodia in June. If you’d like to know more and are a registered health professional, you can contact us through our website at https://www.transformhealthcarecambodia.org.uk/contact-us
Edwin’s book is available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F4MXNGJB/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PBwOKqaJ7o9_wWu4124HzEegVtbWqsVoZisXi-MVsjY.k7gsHZPcibqz3ZmKOeMS_njQlO7kt8V_NAXHijQqy7g&qid=1744470349&sr=8-2
April 14th 2025
Book Launch :- Conflicted by Edwin Pugh "reflections on working in refugee camp during Khmer Rouge time". Teeside University The Curve, Room T110 start 1800
January 20th 2025
Update for THC website on January 2025 trip
The latest team of volunteers travelled to Cambodia in January 2025. The team was co-led by THC directors Paul and Jan Tynan, who have made numerous visits to Cambodia with the charity. Team members were general practice nurse Nicole Hill, who was returning to Cambodia with the charity for the third time, core trainee Dr Matt Murray, urology nurse Greta Rocchino, and senior wheelchair therapist Cheryle Buckle.
The team worked with our Cambodian colleagues giving sessions on sepsis monitoring, hand hygiene, wound care, mental health and the safe handling and transfer of patients. They worked at Battambang Provincial Hospital and with colleagues in Roka Hospital and made new connections with colleagues in Ek Phnom Hospital who are interested in future training opportunities.
There are always mixed feelings when the team says its final farewell after a week in Battambang. Team members are sad to say goodbye to so many respected colleagues who have become honoured friends. Often for the health professionals who are making the trip for the first time they want to stay longer! It’s less a case of goodbye and more a case of see you next time.
Transform Healthcare Cambodia is immensely grateful for and proud of the relationships formed since the very first clinical team visited the country in 2014. We work together with respect and share expertise to improve care for the people of the Battambang province.
December 2024
A group of students from Teesside University who have recently been to Cambodia and their senior lecturer Graham Jones, who also leads trips with the charity Transform Healthcare Cambodia, will be donning their swimsuits and braving the freezing North Sea on Boxing Day.
They are taking part in the Boxing Day dip to raise funds for Roka Hospital in Battambang. We wish them luck!
You can support the cause at
gofundme.com
Donate to Boxing day dip in aid of Roka village and Hospital & THC, organized by Chelsea Rich
July 2024
In July, THC director and senior lecturer at Teesside University Graham Jones, accompanied by Teesside University lecturer Kristie Sowerby, took nine second year nursing students to Cambodia for the second-year nursing placement. The students included paediatric, adult and mental health nursing students.
The team spent two weeks at the Battambang Provincial Referral Hospital and Roka Community Hospital as well as rural areas. They delivered teaching to first year Cambodian nursing students, met the British Ambassador to Cambodia Dominic Williams who travelled to the area especially to meet the students and the hospital officials at Battambang and Roka hospitals, met local health officials and professionals, visited paediatrics and obstetrics and led teeth and hand hygiene sessions for young school children.
Graham met the director of the Cambodia Children’s Trust to further cement relationships for future working.
Dean of Cumbria University's School of Health Professor Karen Stansfield joined the trip for the second week and met hospital officials and professionals. The aim of Professor Stansfield’s visit was to explore future possibilities of nursing students from Cumbria University undertaking trips to Cambodia.
The experience was life changing for many of the students, who said:
“Thank you for the most beautiful experience. My heart will forever be with Cambodia.”
“Thank you for selecting me for the trip of a lifetime. This trip has not only changed my
nursing care/perspectives but has changed me as a person.”
“This is a trip I will never forget, and it really has changed my life.”
“No words can ever explain how grateful I am for this opportunity.”
“My perspective on life on life has changed and each day I will grow as an individual.”
June 2024
Dr Han Oudam ( Consultant Urologist and Deputy Director) and Miss Chiek Sivhour ( Director of Pathology services) from Battambang Referral Hospital, Cambodia are taking part in a Study tour for 2 plus weeks. The tour is sponsored by Transform Healthcare Cambodia and facilitated by many Clinicians from Lancaster Royal Infirmary (UHMBT) and Teesside University, North Tees Hospital, and James Cook Hospital
We are currently half way through the first week and the learning has been fantastic.
Dr Oudam has seen many aspects of the work of a Urologist in the UK. Many thanks in particular to Mr Colin Cutting and his team.
Miss Chiek Sivhour has been finding out about the many aspects of Pathology services from a range of clinicians. There has been particular interest in the accreditation processes.
Director Catherine Randall was able to show them around a Childrens Hospice.
Directors Paul Tynan and Jan Tynan have also been squeezing in snippets of information about the NHS and General Practice, as well as providing some cultural experiences such as a Park Run!
Next week THC Directors Graham Jones and Claire Young along with Dr Sue Jones will be offering a further variety of learning in the North East from the above Institutions.
May 2024
Congratulations to our respected colleague Dr Eng Samnang and his colleagues at Roka Referral Hospital, who have been awarded CPA1 (complementary package of care) status. Dr Samnang, who is director at Roka, has been described as a caring and dynamic leader which we agree with. We are honoured and delighted to work with him and his colleagues.
February 2024
A team of 7 volunteers including 2 directors from the board visited Battambang area again. The team worked on improving education in various areas including diabetes, hypertension, trauma management and for the first time mental Health (in particular childhood mental Health). The teaching occurred at the central hospital in Battambang and also 2 smaller peripheral hospitals at Roka and Ek Phnom. For the first time there was also some teaching in the community at a local school about basic health care. Generally considered a successful trip by all involved
January 2024
In its January 2024 trip Transform Healthcare Cambodia (THC) continued to cement its relationship with the HM Ambassador to Cambodia. The Teesside-based charity, Transform Autism Care Cambodia (TACC), established as a result of THC-facilitated visits to Cambodia, in agreement with professionals in Battambang, will visit the country in January each year to ensure their work is co-ordinated and complementary. THC is also developing a relationship with the Cambodia Children’s Trust. Working in partnership with the charity’s respected Cambodian health and care professionals is resulting in combined resources to tackle health and social care issues to benefit Cambodian people. THC’s relationship of mutual respect and trust with the Battambang Provincial Referral Hospital and its peripheral hospitals continues to flourish with UK and Cambodian professionals looking at ways services can be developed through training and education. For a full copy of the January 2024 trip email paul01thc@gmail.com
July 2023
Director Graham Jones leads a group of Student 2nd year Nurses mainly from Teeside University to Battanbang Referral Hospital and Roka Hospital. The financial and administrative support of Teeside University is much appreciated. They will be staying for a month observing and supporting local clinicians. Drs Kak Seila and Eng Samnang along with York Sottha have made them feel very welcome
May 2023
BRH medical director Dr Kak Seila and Roka Hospital director Dr Eng Sangnam visit the UK; the first UK visit since Covid. The pair visited healthcare settings on both sides of the A66 and returned to Cambodia with many ideas to discuss with their colleagues and assess education and training needs. There was an emphasis on administrative governance, systems, MDT's and computers with particular reference to Chronic Disease management and Palliative care. Some highly technical areas were also inspected.
NOvember 2022
A small group of THC people went out in November to Battambang Cambodia. The purpose was to re-establish relations after the pandemic had made visits impossible since our last visit in February 2020 and plan ways forward.
As well as the "work" side of things the group were able to see and visit some of the cultural heritage and natural wonders of the area.
We were pleased to meet up with a French NGO that has similar aspirations to our own. We feel we can work collaboratively.
We had particular useful tours of the hospital and diabetic clinic. We were able to put together the bones of how a remote teaching via Zoom might work. The visit to the community hospital at Roka was particularly useful and we feel that the relationship here can go a long way.
Once again there was much reflection on our own part and a realisation of how lucky we are to be able to partake of these visits. A very rewarding trip!
July 2022
We had our AGM this month and there was a general feeling that the covid situation is beginning to return to normal. We decided to investigate the possibility of visiting Battanbang November 21st to 25th with a view to scoping how best to move forward.
We were sad to see Edwin Pugh and David Emery step down from the board. They have both been involved from the start and have given plentifully over the years.
Spring 2022
The charity entered into a collaboration with Battanbang Referral Hospital concerning the development of digital records. Battanbang are the first of eight hospitals in Cambodia to be put forward. We are most thankful for the support from Sarah Hanbridge from Christie Hospital and Hayley Grafton from the Royal Marsden.
April 2021
Unfortunately the continuing uncertainty surrounding Covid 19 means that we are unable to plan any trips to visit our Khmer colleagues at present. Earlier in the year we had hoped that a November visit might be possible. That currently looks unlikely as trips usually take several months of planning. We remain optimistic about a spring 2022 trip but are aware that Covid has created many twists and turns of fate. We are maintaining a list of people to contact once the situation looks more positive.
December 2020
We are delighted to see our Khmer colleagues moving into their beautiful new hospital in Battambang. Our friend and colleague York Sottha tells us intensive care and medicine have now moved in and surgery is likely to follow on next week. We can't wait to see you again, as soon as it's safe to do so.