Sarah Imbush

Arriving at the Work the World house in Takoradi, I immediately understood why people described it as a home away from home.

Living with other healthcare students made it easy to chat (and laugh) about our placement days.

My housemates and I found it easy to support each other — we were sharing a unique experience.

I loved making friends with people like me from around the world. I learnt about other cultures and healthcare systems without even travelling to them.

WE were grateful to have a space to come back to after throwing ourselves into the culture

The ‘Big Blue House’, as it came to be known, is a haven. We were grateful to have a space to return to after throwing ourselves into the culture, placement, and travelling around Ghana.

The Work the World staff were terrific. They went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable, well-fed, and safe.

The house BBQs were a weekly favourite. There was something about them that made it impossible not to dance! The African drumming & dancing nights were immense, too.

Placement

My clinical placement was eye-opening. It made me appreciate how privileged we are in the UK to have such high-quality healthcare.

The variety in general surgery meant there was always something to see. I did ward rounds, spent time in clinics, and saw a vast range of procedures in theatre.

Some of the most interesting cases were conditions I’d seen frequently in England. The difference was patients presented much later, resulting in severe complications.

Amputations for diabetes weren’t uncommon. One patient had bilateral, dry gangrene of both feet that was so severe her muscles and tendons were exposed.

Amputation was inevitable, but she hadn’t yet fully communicated that fact.

One of my favourite experiences was observing a vaginal delivery.

Women in Ghana are incredibly determined and strong. They give birth with no pain relief, and their husbands aren’t allowed into the ward; local midwives display less compassion than we do in the UK, too.

The whole experience was astounding.

I saw conditions I hadn’t really encountered before like malaria and severe malnutrition.

I also saw peri- and postnatal care suturing and got an insight into neonatal care.

Paediatric ward rounds were fascinating. I saw conditions I hadn’t really encountered before, like malaria and severe malnutrition.

VHE

The Village Healthcare Week was unforgettable. It’s optional, but having done it, I’d say it was necessary.

In terms of the healthcare side of the village week, the clinic allowed me to do things like malaria testing, taking blood pressure, and giving medication.

I got a taste of rural life in this stunning little fishing village.

It was an experience for all the senses as there was so much to take in. I have too many stories to pick one to share.

Travel

Some of my best memories came from outside placement, travelling to Ghana with friends I’d made in the Work the World house.

I absolutely loved getting lost in The Market Circle. The sights, smells and sounds were amazing. Experimenting with Fante (the local language) to interact with the locals was fun, too.

We spent plenty of time at the beach chilling, reading, and swimming off the coast. They were precious moments of peace.

It was nice that my housemates and I got to know one another away from the house and hospital.

Taking public transport with locals made some of the best memories.

Taking public transport with locals, genuinely immersing ourselves in the adventure, made some of the best memories.

We also visited Cape Coast, did a canopy walk in Kakum National Park, and went to Busua Beach and Nzulezu — a stilted village.

Summary

My adventures in Ghana will remain in my mind forever.

My advice to you is to get stuck in. Seize the opportunity for adventures, and make sure you laugh!

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