Whilst researching the areas in which Lucy was able to volunteer, she found that “After reading previous accounts of those who have visited this area of Ghana, I knew that this is the sort of place I wanted to go…” This small rural town, was struggling and was in desperate need of supplies, not having the luxuries we see here in the UK with the NHS, we’re so extremely lucky to have. 

So, it was a no brainer - Lucy chose Ghana as her destination of choice and started to plan for her trip, alongside other fellow medical students. The plan was to fly out to Accra, with a 7-hour bus journey ahead of her arrival in Busua, a fishing village in the Ahanta West District of the Western Region in Ghana for a total of 5 weeks.

Not only would Lucy be able to give her time and skills to help those around her, but she knew she’d also be able to expand her own knowledge, awareness and to partake in an “undeniably, life-changing and career-guiding experience for a trainee doctor comforted by the luxuries of our wonderful NHS!”

Lucy reached out to us to ask if we could help – of course, we couldn’t resist, the local hospital was in desperate need of scrubs, so we supplied Lucy with a number of scrub sets in a selection of colourways for her to take with her on her adventure in Ghana. As a business we were thrilled to help both Lucy and, Dixcove, the rural hospital, even in a small way, something which Lucy was also passionate about, going out of her way to make happen, she commented, “[This may be}…a drop in the massive ocean of struggles the local hospital and medical teams may face… but still an effort to show kindness and make a difference on an individual level”.

 Lucy’s trip would take up 5 weeks in total, and would be completely self-funded, organised with the support of the Mighty Roar Volunteering company which arranges accommodations and placements for students out in Africa. Before Lucy set off on her adventure, she hoped to… “gain hands-on training, supervised by experienced English-speaking medical experts, giving me the chance to vastly increase my own knowledge by being fully involved in the day-to-day activities of the hospital, observing the doctors and nurses, and helping out in simple but practical ways. My time will be spent in a variety of ways including in maternity wards, operating theatres, and recovery wards, giving a minimum of 6 hours per day, 5 days a week for a total of 5 weeks.”

Lucy comments “I want to become a young doctor that faces these issues head-on, rather than hiding in the comfort of the NHS. Although I am still not 100% sure of what sort of doctor I want to become in the future, I am confident that this is the right decision to further me as a young adult in higher education and the insight it will provide will push me toward a career that is truly meant for me.” Whilst working away, students are also given the opportunity to assist in the local school on the Mighty Roar's childcare and teaching programs; something which Lucy aimed to take full advantage of whilst being out in Ghana.

Alexandra were more than happy to help Lucy and provided multiple sets of scrubs to take with her on her travels, although limited to what could fit in her luggage, we were able to supply lightweight scrubs sets in both Navy and cobalt blue in a range of sizes for Lucy to distribute on her arrival. We were keen to ensure that the teams would remain comfortable and cool, working in the heat of the African climate.

 These garments, were perfectly suited to help the local teams, being lightweight using 145gsm lightweight fabric, helping to keep wearers cool, incorporating double sided vents to help with airflow and ease of movement whilst working in a fast-paced environment, help staff feel less restricted. The smart V-neck and simple design, helps to reduce infection control, whilst maintaining a professional look and feel for medical staff, not forgetting comfort too with a unisex fit to suit all shapes and sizes. 

To find out more about the lightweight scrubs we were able to supply to Lucy and Dixcove hospital, click the following links to view lightweight scrub tunics and lightweight scrub trousers we were able to supply. 

Find out what Lucy gets up to during her placement in Ghana in the next and final instalment….

#AfricanAdventure #MedicalDonations #Scrubs #GivingBack #LucysAdventure #SupportingTheNextGen #Voluteering#LightweightScrubs