Emms Hospital, 2013 – Sarah Wright, medical elective

I worked in Paediatrics for 8 weeks and was involved in ward rounds and paying with the children. There was little hands on contact due to hospital rules, but despite that it was beneficial. Most days were from 0800 – 1400.

The accommodation was basic, but great fun. I shared a room with another medical student from Sheffield and shared the flat with 4 other girls. We went on organised trips to Bethlehem, Nazareth and Galilee. I also ran a kids camp for 5 weeks from Wednesdays to Fridays.

This was an amazing elective with amazing people and an opportunity to do voluntary work outside the usual elective experience.

There were not many negatives. There was a language barrier with the patients – should have learnt some Arabic, and the experience is ‘observation only’. The placement would not be suitable for those with limited mobility. There are lots of hills and steps within the hospital complex.

My elective was organised through the Nazareth Trust website and cost in the region of £1,500.