Time has really flown by, hasn’t it? My two year placement in Ethiopia has come to an end, and I am back in Surrey trying to slot back in to my ‘old’ life.
An Ethiopian send off
My goodbye coffee ceremony with colleagues at Abi Adi Hospital
It was very emotional saying goodbye to my wonderful colleagues at Abi Adi Hospital, who have all become friends that I will definitely stay in touch with. In true Ethiopian style, a traditional coffee ceremony was held in the hospital’s staff room to mark my departure.
Coffee was originally discovered in Ethiopia, by (legend has it) a shepherd realising that his goats were more energetic and excitable after eating a particular plant. When the shepherd ran to a nearby monastery to declare his discovery, they threw the coffee on the fire to rid it of any evil – the first ever coffee roasting!
The Ethiopian phrase Buna Dabo Naw, which means coffee is our bread, sums up how important coffee is to the country’s culture. Being invited along to a coffee ceremony is a warm gesture of friendship and respect, so I was so touched when the hospital staff held one to say goodbye.
Abi Adi Hospital is prepared
Although my colleagues and I were all very sad to say goodbye, I leave them safe in the knowledge that they are ready to face any eventuality the labour ward brings.
Throughout my time here, my colleagues and I have worked closely to improve their knowledge and change ward practices on a range of different subjects – from knowing when a caesarean is needed when labour turns in to an emergency, through to helping mothers successfully breastfeed their little ones. These changes ultimately mean mothers and their babies will receive better care, and if problems do occur, they are in safe hands.
The shocks of returning home
Now I’m home, I’ve been busy catching up with my friends and family, and also returning to my original job in a hospital in Surrey. VSO did warn us throughout our original training that volunteers often find it harder to adjust when they return home than when they start their placement, and this does seem to be ringing true for me. It was bittersweet when my first UK pay check came through, as it was more than the annual wage for most Ethiopians.
My biggest shock was walking back in to the labour ward in the UK, and instantly comparing it to the one in Abi Adi Hopsital. You can see below the differences in technology and privacy whilst giving birth. Although vastly different, the improvements at Abi Adi Hospital will provide the best possible environment for newborns based on the resources that are available.
Abi Adi delivery room vs UK delivery room
Goodbye from me – but hello from your new volunteer Carol
Although my time sharing skills and practices to improve care for mothers and babies in Ethiopia is sadly over for now, nurse Carol Carson is just beginning hers.
Carol has recently flown from Perthshire, Scotland out to Myanmar (formerly Burma) to work in the region of Sagaing, where tragically the number of mothers losing their lives in labour is 16 times the rate in the UK. Her work with midwives who serve these rural communities will make such a big difference, especially as this is Carol's fourth placement with VSO!
Thanks to you my Ethiopian colleagues and I have become better doctors
Just thinking back to my VSO adventure makes me smile. It was easily one of the best things I have ever done, but also made me face some of the hardest challenges. Whilst in Ethiopia, I gained so many new skills – I’ve managed complex cases on the ward, learnt a new culture and language, and ultimately trained a whole ward of staff. I’ve had the opportunity to try new foods, learn new dances and attend lots of national festivals.
Now I am back in the UK, I am taking a lot less for granted. I appreciate the wonders of modern medical technology and medicine, and even whilst food shopping I am in awe of the choices we are lucky enough to have. I am also so grateful to have my incredible family, friends and boyfriend who I have loved catching up with after being away for so long.
This takes me on to you – without you beside me none of this would have been possible. Your kind messages and unwavering loyalty have undoubtedly improved care given to both babies and their mothers at Abi Adi Hospital, and made both my colleagues and I better doctors.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and I hope you will continue to show such amazing support to Carol as she updates you on her exciting progress in Myanmar.
Yours,
Alexa
