In my final year as a midwifery student, I have been given the amazing opportunity to carry out a self funded elective anywhere in the world. I have chosen to spend my elective in Ghana, Africa with three good friends. This will take place for 1 month in March, 2017. We are carrying out this amazing opportunity with Global Medical Projects who will help with our hospital placement and working in community settings.
Due to Ghana having a less developed and accessible healthcare system, childbirth can be challenging. I hope to use the skills and knowledge I have acquired during my training in the UK to care for these women and families with the care and compassion they deserve. I believe this will also help me with my own practice here in the UK ready for qualifying as a registered midwife in September.
We plan on making the most of our trip and spending time not only in the hospital but also at a local orphanage to donate clothes, toys and other items, of which donations are welcomed.
We also wish to purchase the medical supplies we take for granted such as gloves to help improve healthcare services.
I will not be using any of the money donated to me for my own recreational activities, it will go towards travel and buying aid and medical supplies to benefit my placement area.
I also plan on hosting fundraising events before our departure on this amazing experience.
I can't explain my excitement for this once in a lifetime opportunity to experience a different side to maternity care. Any donations are gratefully received and I can't begin to explain my gratitude for this amazing experience.