Hello,

This is my first ever blog post, so please forgive the brevity and lack of sophistication!

On 7th July 2013, the University of Bristol at Swindon Academy will be starting it's inaugural global health  project in Uganda.  I will be travelling with 8 4th year medical students from the University of Bristol, and they will be completing individual projects (Student Selected Components, SSCs). 

Our original destination was Kilembe Mines Hospital, near Kasese.  Tragically, this hospital was severely affected by flooding in the region, and has had to be closed.  With invaluable help from Dr Jim McWhirter and his colleague Rogers Kabaye, we have found a new location for our project - Villa Maria Hospital near Masaka.  We will be in Uganda for 3 weeks and will be updating this blog regularly to keep you abreast of our progress. 

Prior to departure, the students will be attending a tropical medicine 'crash course' at the Great Western Hospital (GWH) in Swindon, to equip them with all the information they need for the trip.  At the moment, I am in the process of ordering a selection of medical supplies to take with us - from cannulas to gloves and sutures to oxygen masks!  We are also appealing for members of staff at GWH to donate unwanted toys, baby clothes and medical supplies for us to take on our trip.  The 40kg luggage allowance each of us have should come in handy!

Accompanying me on the trip will be:
Florence Barton
Felix Gooding
Sarah-Jane Trehane
Rachel Peck
Nadia Hitchen
Gemma Faulkner
Catherine Parker
Emma Pascall

We will endeavour keep you up-to-date on our plans and adventures.

Bye for now,

Amy