Kelly Staples

I wanted to experience and understand different cultures, especially in healthcare. I wanted to learn how different cultures approach childbirth and maternity care, with the limited resources compared to the UK, and how they adopt to save resources and become creative with reusable equipment. 

 Work The World made it easy every step of the way, from the journey from departing the UK to reaching Sri Lanka. The staff at the Work The World house couldn’t have been any more helpful. 

They checked in regularly and made sure we were having the best experience. Their support helped us address any issues promptly and ensured that our experience remained positive and productive. It was scary coming to a foreign country by myself, but the staff do everything to welcome you and make you feels at home. The house is clean and the bathrooms are lovely. 

From the minute I arrived the students already here were planning a trip for the following weekend to Galle and invited us with them. 

My room mate was lovely and everyone was very welcoming. On placement Chathindri and Niranjan do an orientation around the hospital and introduce you to the ward. I cannot emphasis enough how great the team is. Every staff member always has a smile for you. The support and guidance provided was invaluable.

Although Sri Lanka follow the NICE guidelines, care in Sri Lanka isn’t person centered. In the UK patients actively participate in their own medical treatments, in Sri Lanka it is consultant led care. Because of this consent to procedures is not actively given. 

One thing that will stick in my mind for ever was how lovely the nurses and midwifes were at the labour ward. It was fantastic to exchange information with them. 

In the evening we either stayed in the house talking, playing cards or exploring Kandy such as the Botanical Garden, Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Perahera festival. It was a wonderful mix of cultural immersion, relaxation, and adventure, making our time in Kandy memorable.

At weekends we travelled to new places in Sri Lanka. Both Galle and Ella offer diverse experiences, from historical exploration to natural beauty.