Neve Sissons

I wanted to take an overseas placement because I was interested in learning about how the health system runs with fewer resources in Ghana and whether I could see myself working in this environment. I was also very keen to learn about another country's culture (that was very different to my own).

My first impression of my placement hospital was that the general set-up of the department and staff roles were similar to what I was used to. It was immediately apparent that all of the patients were very unwell. 

My elective helped me learn what sickness looks like without symptom management and easy access to healthcare. I learnt about the presentation and management of hepatitis B, sickle cell disease, and malaria. I also developed my skills in ultrasound, cannulating different skin colours, and recognising signs of illness on dark skin. 

During my placement, I observed a few memorable cases. These included intracranial haemorrhages, where a patient came in seizing/frothing at the mouth and waited for a CT scan. There was also a 28-year-old patient with decompensated liver failure due to hepatitis B and hepatocellular carcinoma taking up half his abdomen. 

The main difference between the Ghanaian healthcare system and the UK is that our public healthcare helps prevent us from getting seriously unwell through preventative measures.

What's more, the NHS is free at the point of care. In Ghana, this is not the case—affordability is often a major factor in whether or not people receive care. The Ghanaian healthcare system involves a lot of casework and innovative resource use, even though pain relief is not prioritised.

During the evenings in Takadori, there was so much to get up to — going to the market circle, visiting local seamstresses to have clothes made from traditional fabrics, and more. The trips away over the weekend to Volta, Kakum National Park, Busua, and Nzulezu were all incredible, too. 

To those considering undertaking a Work the World placement, I'd say it is an incredible experience, and you won't regret it.