MEDICAL WORK EXPERIENCE INTERNSHIPS IN MOMBASA

This placement is situated in the vibrant cosmopolitan coastal city of Mombasa, working at the Portreitz District Hospital. This is a poor facility that caters to a very poor community. You'll get a good general feel of the Hospital by working and/or observing in most departments.

PROJECT OVERVIEW
It is difficult to be specific about the day-to-day work you will do because work is so varied and spread across many areas. The hospitals are very busy with a multitude of duties and responsibilities, so you will probably be worked very hard in most areas! The experience you gain in Kenya will be a lot different to anything you may have been used to and will be an excellent entry on your CV.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Africa and the diverse cultures in Kenya.

• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.

• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market

• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WORK CONTENT:
The type of work you will be allocated will depend to an extent on your own abilities and capabilities, which is understandable given that you will be dealing with patient health and safety. You will be involved in aspects of the day-to-day running of the hospitals, observing or directly assisting, where possible. You can help out in simple but practical ways, vastly increasing your own knowledge and understanding of medical practice.

As a volunteer your work may take you into all departments (depending on which hospital you're placed in), e.g. surgery, burns unit, ICU, Physiotherapy, X-ray, and even the mortuary to name just a few. However, if you're not qualified, you won't be allowed into operating theatres.

You will get a good general feel of the hospital by working and/or observing in most departments. Currently, the Hospital has the following departments:

• Radiology,

• Minor and major theatre,

• Pharmacy,

• Laboratories,

• Pre- and post-natal care,

• Morgue and

• A comprehensive care unit for people with HIV/Aids.

Your hours may vary insofar as they will be subject to shift rotas. Normally you will work from 9-5 Monday to Friday. However, you may sometimes work evenings or nights, sometimes over weekends, etc., but you will have time off on other days instead.

Another aspect of your work may be to help and assist the local doctors and nurses with their daily rounds, making medical notes and updating records. You could also be asked to help with computer entries, and help clean equipment and various areas within the hospital. You will be given basic and general on the job training by your supervisor, and further jobs should become available for those with medical experience.

COMMENTS FROM A VOLUNTEER ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE ON THE PLACEMENT:

"When you arrive at the hospital, you will usually start by joining doctors/clinical officers on ward rounds, followed by some time in theatre witnessing operations. Some days there also clinics run by the doctors that you can sit in on. This will take you till about 1300-1400."

• So far what is the best thing about your placement? 
  "Being able to witness genuine emergency primary/secondary care."

• What experience do you feel you are gaining? 
  "Improved knowledge of the functionality of the health service in less affluent areas as well as new medically orientated insights."

• What did you enjoy the most on your placement?
  "Absolutely everything. The outpatient clinic with Dr. Mwea and Risper was particularly interesting, as well as, being in the operating theatre with him. Participating in ward rounds with Dr. Misbah was extremely interesting and enjoyable as well. Both Dr. Mwea and Dr. Misbah were very open and more than willing to explain things to you and help you learn"

ABOUT PORTREITZ HOSPITAL:
The Portreitz Hospital was established in 1952, as an Infectious Diseases Hospital. It is the second biggest government hospital in Mombasa. Their mission statement is, to provide accessible, acceptable and affordable high quality promotive, preventative and rehabilitative services in line with the National health guidelines.

The hospital provides ‘complete Medical Care’. It is both an in and out patients hospital, that has many different departments. Such as Maternity, operations, dentistry, pharmacy and many more. There is also a TB testing and treatment centre on site to. A dietician and nutritionist are also available to cater for those with any medical problems due to diet.

ACCOMMODATION AND LIVING IN MOMBASA
Your accommodation will vary, but you will most likely live with a local family. This will give you the opportunity to experience the true African experience from the inside and not just as a "tourist" on the surface of the country.

You will most likely be placed close to your work, which will enable you to go home for lunch if you want to. Many Kenyans choose to eat locally for lunch on roast meat called "nyama choma" - a delicacy that you'll talk about for a long time!

Mombasa is the second most important city in Kenya (after Nairobi) It is the main port for Kenya and the surrounding countries, as well as being the oldest town. The pace of life is relaxed and people of Mombasa enjoy themselves (particularly on Friday and Saturday nights!).

A spectacular coral reef run for 480 km along the palm-fringed coastline. The waters below are filled with marine life, while up above a huge diversity of birdlife occupies the mangrove forests or overhanging cliffs.

The beaches of Kenya have become one of the world's great playgrounds, with plenty of opportunities for water sports or simply sunbathing. More than half of the country's international hotels are based along the Coast. The sun shines all year round and the diversity of activities is unequalled.

Another factor that makes Mombasa a wonderful place to visit is the exciting nightlife. There are many nightclubs situated along the North and South Coasts of the town, all of which have different themes that cater to different crowds. Many hotels also have their own entertainment events

In the heart of the town is where most hospitals, businesses, banks, shops and markets are situated. Being a small town (about half a million population), Mombasa does not have a subway system. However one can easily get around using the local bus service; or for a “truly Kenyan experience” a ride in a “Matatu”- which is quite a unique adventure.

Please click here for photos of Mombasa

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Volunteers and staff

OPTIONAL ADD-ONS


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Volunteer with baby elephant

Colourful Matatu, the local transport