The hospital

Kwahu Government Hospital.

Three very dedicated doctors with two or three medical assistants, the nurses are warm and friendly though will get distracted quite easily when translating for you particularly in A and E , but I began to see this as one of the many difficulties in getting a history when translators are involved and its good practice for times in medicine when this situation arises in the UK

The specialty

General Medicine, General Surgery, A&E rural community medicine

The tasks

Ward rounds, surgery observation and assistance, A and E very good experience rural clinic again a great challenge

The teaching

Ward round and clinics teaching

Language difficulties

Translation form Twi to English done very well by nurses

Furthering medical studies

It provided a good base to really understanding how to take a focused history and make a diagnosis without all the fancy gadgets available to us in the UK.

Social life

I was generally too tired during the week to do anything but have dinner and go to bed but on weekends we travelled around the country quite a lot which was great but the transportation around Ghana is very uncomfortable and dangerous try and travel during the day if possible.

Difficulties

We had running water about half the time. Not a problem you just use a bucket to have a wash flushing the toilets were also done with a bucket. It would have been good if some cleaning products were available to clean the toilets and sinks cause they were really dirty especially the sinks.

Good things

. The organisation of the elective was very good, Dr Addai is fantastic at helping you along the way if you feel slightly out of your depth. He Is also always willing to improve the living conditions in the house you really just have to ask. Sefa is a great resource in every way possible
The Ghanian people are fantastic, especially in the Atibe region although you can be seen as a walking money machine they will respond very quickly to simply saying NO. They enjoy a good banter as well and they are very helpful. The job at the hospital is a great experience and I would be surprised if anyone came back not having learned something about themselves.
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Improvements

I think that the toilet seats in the flat are on their way to being permanently broken don’t hesitate to ask for it to get fixed. Also more plates are needed in the flat.

Advice

Be prepared to be shocked about how medicine is practised in Ghana and also be ready to be part of it. Get a Brant guide it is fantastic.

Comments

Enjoy Ghana it is probably one of the most welcoming part of Africa