Volunteering in Hospitals in Ghana

What is Volunteering in Hospitals in Ghana all about?

Our volunteering in hospitals in Ghana placement is based in a hospital in Accra, supporting doctors and nurses as a volunteer as they care for low-income patients.  This is a fully functioning hospital supporting a community in northern Accra and like any hospital, there are injuries, ailments and diseases presenting themselves everyday. There are a range of departments such as medical, surgical, gynaecology, surgical and the children’s ward as well as public health and dentistry. Health care is not free in Ghana and many patients cannot afford to pay for x-rays or medication.

In Ghana one in every 5 children die as a result of malaria, and the economic implications are devastating to the economy. Other tropical illnesses commonly treated are related to poor drinking water and diseases spread through poor sanitary conditions, such as typhoid and hepatitis. Join our medical project and experience first hand the difficulties faced and meet some of the amazing people trying to help make a difference to the lives of local Ghanaians.

Why choose this clinical medical placement in Ghana?

As a medical volunteer there is much work to do to provide assistance to these poorest communities from cleaning instruments, recording patient data to participation in preventative health care workshops. Many of the procedures and treatment may be different but this is part of the learning process, for volunteers and their new colleagues. The hospital highly values the contribution of volunteers particularly as they see this as developing global citizens through knowledge exchange and working alongside international colleagues.

Role of the medical volunteer

Volunteers contribute through observational work, triage tasks, taking vitals and anthropometric measurements, treating injuries, shadowing nurses and doctors, sitting in on surgeries, and cleaning and preparing instruments, taking blood and educational activities. Tasks will depend on experience but everyone will be expected to carry out some administrative work. Volunteers may also perform other duties as needed, such as documenting translation and categorisation of donated medications. Nurses will gladly train volunteers in using the local equipment. Departments that you may work in include medical, surgical, gynaecology, surgical, the x-ray unit or the children’s ward. You may also have the opportunity to work in public health or dentistry.

What skills do I need to Volunteer in the hospital in Ghana

• Preferably volunteers must be studying or have finished their course relating to health, nursing, dentistry or medicine. A flexible attitude, a willingness to learn and to participate wherever needed are a must. The more you put in, the more you will get out of this amazing placement.
• If you are a student you will be able to observe the clinical practices; the Ghanaian healthcare system will also be explained to you. You will always work under the direct supervision of a fully qualified local doctor or nurse. Activities will depend on your experience levels.
• Qualified volunteers – if you wish to practice as a fully qualified medic you will have to pass a written Ghanaian medical test. If you want to volunteer without sitting the test then you are more than welcome to do so but will not be able to perform the same duties as you do at home.
• If you are considering a career in medicine you are welcome to join the project. Your time will be spent in an admin capacity within a clinical setting, gaining an insight into Ghanaian health care.

You will be asked to send your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project, as well as certifications, transcripts and other documentation are required to enable us to establish where you will be best placed. Your contribution and performance will also be taken into consideration throughout your placement. Smart dress is required and volunteers are asked to bring their own stethoscope and lab coat with them.

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