If you were able to come to our inaugural meeting in May this year you will have seen that there are many people in our five hospitals who have been spending time helping in lots of ways in parts of the world where the people have so little and where we can do so much. Despite our economic pressures we are so fortunate and I know many of you have got so much out of work like this as well as making a major contribution to the lives of others.
Yours sincerely
Peter W Mount CBE
Chairman
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Our Trust is trying to raise awareness of the
benefits of volunteering abroad. We want to support our staff in
sharing their knowledge and experience with hospitals all over the
world, particularly those in developing countries, those affected
by conflict, and areas affected by natural disasters. It works to
ensure that staff, patients and students, here at our Trust and
overseas benefit from increased skills and understanding that is
gained from worldwide health partnerships and links.
Our aims are achieved by staff giving their time and expertise - voluntarily and in their own time. This can be taken as annual leave, as a career break, or as study leave.
Human Resources Support
Staff considering volunteering abroad should contact their line manager in the first instance who can direct them to the directorate lead.
Occupational Health
The department does not have a direct input into a specific scheme but occasionally carries out vaccinations and can refer you to various schemes.
Insurance
Volunteers would need to ensure they take out their own insurance as Trust insurance only covers those carrying out work on behalf of the Trust.
Charitable Funds
The Charitable Funds Committee of the Trust has agreed to establish a small fund which anyone who is planning to volunteer abroad can apply to. The application will be considered to ensure it fulfils Charitable Funds guidance. Although the amounts that may be offered will be relatively small, they can go some way to supporting volunteering.
Useful links
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
There are opportunities to volunteer to spend short periods of time in Virika Hospital in Fort Portal which is in the west of Uganda. Fort Portal is in one of the most attractive parts of the country, close to the Rwenzori Mountains and the Queen Elizabeth Game Reserve.
The skills needed are as follows:
Surgical services
A surgeon with experience in General Surgery or Trauma
A Theatre Nurse
Paediatric Services
A Paediatrician experienced in Neonatology
A Paediatric Nurse experienced in Neonatology
Physician
A Physician with experience in cardiovascular conditions.
Anaesthesia
An Anaesthetist who should be able to work in low resource settings
Maternity Services
An Obstetrician
A Gynaecologist
Midwives
In return we do hope that the volunteers can have a great learning experience in the field on infectious tropical diseases. It is recommended that two volunteers go at any one time and a four to six week stay would be suggested. Accommodation can be provided in a very attractive guest house about 15 minutes from the hospital. For more information please contact Michelle Green, P.A. to the Chairman.
Email: michelle.green@cmft.nhs.uk
Tel: 0161 276 4755
Case Studies
Trust staff have shared their experiences about volunteering abroad.
Click here if you would like to be put in touch with a case study
