It was a national holiday in Ghana, so I didn’t have to work so one of my roommates and some other volunteers went to a near by town called Aburi to a wood market. It was about 20 stands that lined a road and had a lot of different wood carvings. Masks and figurines of all sizes, I brought 3 things, but I really wish I could have gotten more. But I have to fly home with already over weight baggage, plus I really want a huge mask or figurine which definitely won’t fit We spent about 3 hours there and then went to have lunch in the town next to it. In Ghana, you have to get use to other people getting their food way ahead of you. One of my friends waited over an hour after us to finally get his food! After that, stopped at a fruit market (just some stands on the road) and got some oranges (that are green ), pineapple (which is amazing), and some bananas (also amazing), the we headed back home.
We took a Tro-Tro to get back, they are this huge vans that have all this seating that are very cheap to take to places far away, but they are the scariest things I have ever been in. They definitely don’t care what side of the road they drive on, they use their horns to let other drivers know they are near or passing instead of a blinker, they drive fast and they probably could fit 10 comfortably plus the driver and the mate, but they will cram as many as 14-16 in them. But they are cheap so we go Once we got to our junction, we got out and were greeted by a huge down pour of rain, so my roommate and I had to run under a shops porch for about 15 minutes and wait until it passed. Then just went to the internet café, walked around, went to a football game (soccer), came home and went to bed.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Day Two 5/25/2010:
I am working in the Out Patient Department (OPD) for now and I will switch to maternity, then surgery. The OPD is very crazy and busy, they have about 150 people coming in and most times only 2 doctors on staff. So for my first day I was basically just thrown into the pit and started working. I am doing want all the nurses are doing, so I work in the cubical type space (3 pieces of dirty white work), with a card table and 3 chairs, along with my blood pressure equipment, thermometer, cotton balls and a pen. So for about 5 hours I just did vitals and it was overwhelming to say the least. I haven’t actually done BP measurements in about 3 years and it is so loud in there and there are people all around you that is so hard to hear the beats of the heart, plus according to all the nurses I write like an American. So instead of saying “difficulty breathing” I put “trouble breathing.” So it was crazy and I feel totally unqualified to do this job since I didn’t actually do my undergrad study in nursing. It’s weird how I am totally unqualified to do this job in America, but very qualified to do this job here.
Along with being a nurse, I was taken aback by the sanitary conditions that are practiced there. As you can see in some of my pictures, the hospital is far from sterile and clean. I had one thermometer to use for all my patients and I only had dry cotton balls to clean them off with. I don’t know why I was so surprised, but I was and I was grossed out by the lack of just clean equipment. I know they are doing their best, but it just sooooo different from any of the hospitals in the states. Which is exactly why I came, after just one hour in this place I realize how damn lucky we are. So my day came to close and I really just wanted to cry because I was so stressed out and overwhelmed and I don’t like being bad at things (I am getting better at taking BP), but the nurse I am working with is just so sweet, so it definitely makes things better.
I came home, ate dinner and went to bed at 8:30pm.
Along with being a nurse, I was taken aback by the sanitary conditions that are practiced there. As you can see in some of my pictures, the hospital is far from sterile and clean. I had one thermometer to use for all my patients and I only had dry cotton balls to clean them off with. I don’t know why I was so surprised, but I was and I was grossed out by the lack of just clean equipment. I know they are doing their best, but it just sooooo different from any of the hospitals in the states. Which is exactly why I came, after just one hour in this place I realize how damn lucky we are. So my day came to close and I really just wanted to cry because I was so stressed out and overwhelmed and I don’t like being bad at things (I am getting better at taking BP), but the nurse I am working with is just so sweet, so it definitely makes things better.
I came home, ate dinner and went to bed at 8:30pm.
Day One 5/24/2010:
It was quite an experience getting to Ghana, but I finally made it. I had the worst flight of my life and I can assure you that I will never fly with Delta Airlines internationally again. But that is all behind me because I am finally HERE!!
I had to the sleep at the Projects Abroad headquarters because I arrived so late (around midnight). So I was greeted by some very muggy weather and I hadn’t showered in 2 days, so once I arrived I quickly took my first African shower. Even through the water was more cold then warm and the pressure was almost zero it felt amazing!! I was so hot and tired that anything at that point felt amazing. After that I went to bed and quickly found out that my phone’s alarm clock doesn’t work anymore (I suspended my contract with AT&T while I am gone). So I kinda woke up late for my meeting with my taxi driver (he was driving me an hour north to Mampong), but he was very kind and didn’t care. So I left Accra and headed north and in the first 5 seconds of being in that car I realized that there is NO code for driving, no real rules, and everyone just does what they want. It was a little scary, but I am alive and here.
I meant my host family and their 3 young children, there are also 2 other girls staying here (other volunteers) which is nice because we work at the same hospital (which is across the street from where we live). I start work tomorrow, so I am excited to see what I will be doing.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Less Then 2 Weeks Away
In 12 days I will be in the JFK airport waiting for my connecting flight to Accra :)
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Housing
My Host Family:
Mr. Frank Obuobi is a Computer analyst who works at the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine at Mampong. He also owns formating internet cafe in Mampong.
Other people who live in the house are Mrs. Akosua Ofei Obuobi his wife (house wife), Maame Esi Baffoe their daughter (2006), Kobby Ofei Obuobi their son (May 2005), Nana Yaa (2008) and Ruth Nfum (1995) who is a house help.
Akosua another househelp comes to the house to help but does not stay in the house.
Location:
The house is situated in Abotekyi (Mampong) about 5 minutes walk from Tetteh Quarshie Hospital in Mampong.
The house is also directly opposite Dr. Winful's residence.
The Akuapem Hills is at an elevation of 400m, and hence have a slightly cooler climate than most of Southern Ghana. Mampong has a post office, a market and a few bars and restaurants. There is much to see and do in the surrounding area including good hiking, mountain biking and visiting waterfalls and bead markets.
About My Room:
Frank hosts a maximum of four volunteers and your shared room will have two beds, fan, light and space for clothes. Volunteers have a private bathroom so the family do not share in theirs and basic cleanliness is satisfactory.
General Information:
Frank is keen for you to explore the region and is happy for you to go out in the evenings with other volunteers but not to return too late, so you do not disturb the family. They really appreciate it if you are home by 9:30pm.
Internet service is in this accomodation therefore volunteers with laptops will be able to browse.
Mr. Frank Obuobi is a Computer analyst who works at the Centre for Scientific Research into Plant Medicine at Mampong. He also owns formating internet cafe in Mampong.
Other people who live in the house are Mrs. Akosua Ofei Obuobi his wife (house wife), Maame Esi Baffoe their daughter (2006), Kobby Ofei Obuobi their son (May 2005), Nana Yaa (2008) and Ruth Nfum (1995) who is a house help.
Akosua another househelp comes to the house to help but does not stay in the house.
Location:
The house is situated in Abotekyi (Mampong) about 5 minutes walk from Tetteh Quarshie Hospital in Mampong.
The house is also directly opposite Dr. Winful's residence.
The Akuapem Hills is at an elevation of 400m, and hence have a slightly cooler climate than most of Southern Ghana. Mampong has a post office, a market and a few bars and restaurants. There is much to see and do in the surrounding area including good hiking, mountain biking and visiting waterfalls and bead markets.
About My Room:
Frank hosts a maximum of four volunteers and your shared room will have two beds, fan, light and space for clothes. Volunteers have a private bathroom so the family do not share in theirs and basic cleanliness is satisfactory.
General Information:
Frank is keen for you to explore the region and is happy for you to go out in the evenings with other volunteers but not to return too late, so you do not disturb the family. They really appreciate it if you are home by 9:30pm.
Internet service is in this accomodation therefore volunteers with laptops will be able to browse.
Placement Details :)
Working:
Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital,
P.O. Box 26,
Mampong-Akuapem
Greater Accra Region
Ghana
My Supervisor:
Dr. Owusu Acheampong
Job Title:
Medical Superintendent
Overview:
Tetteh Quarshie Hospital opened in 1961. It is the main hospital in the Akuapem area and therefore a reasonably busy one. The hospital is setting up a library that is dependent on donations. Any medical books would be an appreciated contribution. The children’s ward always gratefully receives any toys and early learning equipment.
Typical Day:
Volunteers have the opportunity to work in numerous departments at the hospital. The most popular are: paediatrics, physiotherapy, the male and female medical wards, and the public health unit. Please make sure you bring a white medical jacket with you as they are extremely useful.
Project Structure:
You can join a doctor on ward rounds, who will be willing to answer questions about the varying cases, some of which may be shocking and extreme. You may attend out-patient clinics, visit clinical conferences, watch surgery if you are qualified, and if you are part way through your medical training, get involved in clinical research – possibly even giving your own presentation or assisting with a medical officer. Depending on your interests, confidence and ability you may yourself also carry out observations, tests, check BP and injections. Hours of work are flexible. Volunteers can work morning shift, afternoon or even night shifts.
Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital,
P.O. Box 26,
Mampong-Akuapem
Greater Accra Region
Ghana
My Supervisor:
Dr. Owusu Acheampong
Job Title:
Medical Superintendent
Overview:
Tetteh Quarshie Hospital opened in 1961. It is the main hospital in the Akuapem area and therefore a reasonably busy one. The hospital is setting up a library that is dependent on donations. Any medical books would be an appreciated contribution. The children’s ward always gratefully receives any toys and early learning equipment.
Typical Day:
Volunteers have the opportunity to work in numerous departments at the hospital. The most popular are: paediatrics, physiotherapy, the male and female medical wards, and the public health unit. Please make sure you bring a white medical jacket with you as they are extremely useful.
Project Structure:
You can join a doctor on ward rounds, who will be willing to answer questions about the varying cases, some of which may be shocking and extreme. You may attend out-patient clinics, visit clinical conferences, watch surgery if you are qualified, and if you are part way through your medical training, get involved in clinical research – possibly even giving your own presentation or assisting with a medical officer. Depending on your interests, confidence and ability you may yourself also carry out observations, tests, check BP and injections. Hours of work are flexible. Volunteers can work morning shift, afternoon or even night shifts.
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