I have long wanted to nurse and travel. Here was my opportunity to combine the two. I applied to a number of organisations who have links with hospitals in India, South America, Africa and Israel. Africa Inland Mission International (AIM) offered me the chance to nurse in Uganda with only six weeks to go.
I stayed in London overnight with a friend, who had taught in Uganda two years ago. She was full of good advice and a strong support. Flying out I was surprisingly calm. A problem-free flight and smooth travelling from Kampala to the hospital maintained my excitement.
Kagando is located in the foothills of the Ruwenzori Mountains, bordering Zaire, in the south west of the country. It is a very remote but beautiful place with which I instantly fell in love. Kasese is the nearest town, about 45 km to the north, and the equator is just five km away.
The hospital was established about 30 years ago by AIM and serves a district of some 250,000 people, despite only having 280 beds. It has a reputation for providing good and comprehensive services to the local community. Patients have to pay for their treatment here, but are free from the rumoured bribery of government hospitals. People will travel considerable distances for treatment at Kagando.
During my four weeks I assisted in theatre, helped deliver babies, and expanded my (limited) paediatric knowledge. Most of my colleagues were Ugandan. Westerners are in the process of handing the running of the hospital over to a Ugandan leadership team. The staff were extremely welcoming and supportive, and I gained significant insight into nursing in Uganda, where the relatives take a very active role in caring (so different from Britain).
I am glad I took the plunge and went to Africa for my elective. It was a time of consolidation and reflection on my training so far and a chance to consider future options. Once I have qualified I hope to return to Africa to work, to Uganda if possible.
I stayed in London overnight with a friend, who had taught in Uganda two years ago. She was full of good advice and a strong support. Flying out I was surprisingly calm. A problem-free flight and smooth travelling from Kampala to the hospital maintained my excitement.
Kagando is located in the foothills of the Ruwenzori Mountains, bordering Zaire, in the south west of the country. It is a very remote but beautiful place with which I instantly fell in love. Kasese is the nearest town, about 45 km to the north, and the equator is just five km away.
The hospital was established about 30 years ago by AIM and serves a district of some 250,000 people, despite only having 280 beds. It has a reputation for providing good and comprehensive services to the local community. Patients have to pay for their treatment here, but are free from the rumoured bribery of government hospitals. People will travel considerable distances for treatment at Kagando.
During my four weeks I assisted in theatre, helped deliver babies, and expanded my (limited) paediatric knowledge. Most of my colleagues were Ugandan. Westerners are in the process of handing the running of the hospital over to a Ugandan leadership team. The staff were extremely welcoming and supportive, and I gained significant insight into nursing in Uganda, where the relatives take a very active role in caring (so different from Britain).
I am glad I took the plunge and went to Africa for my elective. It was a time of consolidation and reflection on my training so far and a chance to consider future options. Once I have qualified I hope to return to Africa to work, to Uganda if possible.
