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Nurses for Ugwueke Hospital, Abia State, Nigeria

Ugwueke is a rural village in Abia State, Nigeria. The hospital is a Methodist Church of Nigeria project and its current medical supervisor is a UK Methodist Mission Partner, a Dutchman, Dr Hans van den Corput. The senior nurse, Theresa Allenah, is also sponsored by the UK Methodist Church – she has worked in both the UK and Nigeria and has decided to return there after completing a recent master’s degree in the UK. With knowledge of both countries Theresa is well able to both supervise and give induction and training into local culture and expectations.

The hospital is currently operating with 77 beds but has the capacity for 100. Dr Van den Corput is a skilled surgeon and there is a good drug supply at the hospital. There is one other locally-qualified nurse, but the 18 other staff are not fully qualified. Nurses can therefore have a higher level of responsibility than in the UK and family members tend to be involved in other elements of care. The main objective of the post is to give back-up and support to Theresa, and after some induction responsibility for areas such as the Surgical, Medical or Maternity Ward will probably be given. Working hours can be quite long – from 7.30 in the morning to late afternoon.

Accommodation will be provided, with electricity in the evenings from 6.30 – 9.30 pm. Water will need to be boiled or bought bottled. A table gas-fired burner is available for cooking. Mosquito nets are provided. Mobile phones can be used in the area and radio (short-wave for UK programmes) and satellite TV can be used. DVDs can be taken and played too. The local village has kiosks for some daily needs and a market day every 8 days for other purchases, but it is advised to bring tea and coffee etc. and flasks to hold hot and cold water through the day. Local powdered milk is okay. The nearest big town is Umuahia – about one hour away by local taxi – and all facilities are there.

There would be possibilities for a partner, either in the hospital or possible at a local school. There are no age limits and both women and men would be welcome. It is important that applicants should have a Christian commitment but denomination is not important. Churches of several denominations are within walking distance – including Methodist, Anglican, and Roman Catholic. There are also many local churches, mostly of an Evangelical/Pentecostal nature.

The local climate is hot during the middle of the day but pleasant in morning and early evening. The rainy season lasts from March to October. Apart from mosquitoes, sand flies can sometimes be annoying, and trousers or tights can be useful to keep them off. Sandals are better than shoes for most of the time, and for women sleeved dresses fit better with the local culture (local clothes can be bought for wear outside working hours). There are other projects within a few hours of Ugwueke with which both Christians Abroad and the UK Methodist Church have links and which might provide some occasional social links – but transport is not always possible and especially at weekends any volunteer would have to be able to cope with their own company and spiritual support. Local people are friendly but will generally not travel or entertain after dark. Volunteers are welcome for a minimum of one month and a few years UK experience is preferred.

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