Student nurse to travel to Ghana for unique learning experience

Learning disability nursing is an emerging discipline in the developing world and Sidlesham student nurse Alice Ryan is keen to explore this unique learning experience.
Alice Ryan with Jeffrey Collins, one of the people to benefit from her holiday initiative at Lambourne HouseAlice Ryan with Jeffrey Collins, one of the people to benefit from her holiday initiative at Lambourne House
Alice Ryan with Jeffrey Collins, one of the people to benefit from her holiday initiative at Lambourne House

An exciting new nursing specialism in Ghana is opening up with Work the World and the three-week nursing elective placement will be a marvellous opportunity for Alice, of Lockgate Road.

She wants to raise £500 towards the trip, which will help supply a school and hospital with essential and vital items.

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Alice, 26, explained: “In June, I will be travelling to Ghana to work in a hospital and school for three weeks. I’m looking forward to working in different environments, helping patients with a range of conditions like as cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, various communication disorders, physical disabilities, learning disabilities and autism.

“I am paying for the majority of this placement but I am asking family, friends and supporters to contribute as little or as much as they can, to help and support the children in Ghana.

“I am looking to take three suitcases of toys, clothes and medical supplies with me. I will be doing lots of fundraising.

Waitrose has donated, which will help with getting ingredients for a bake sale, I’m going to do some car boot sales and have a charity box in Hunston Village Shop.”

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Alice is a third-year learning disability nursing student at London South Bank University.

When she jets off to Takordi, she will be working on development projects for the Ghanaian children.

“Having studied hard for the last three years, I now have the opportunity to arrange a placement for myself – and it can be arranged anywhere in the world,” she said.

“I chose Ghana because a placement in a developing country can contribute enormously to both a student’s degree and chosen career.

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“It offers the opportunity to experience how healthcare is delivered in an under-resourced environment. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of things like rare communicable diseases and gain new skills treating advanced pathologies.

“Though working in the conditions and circumstances they have over there will be a challenge, I’m really looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience I have gained over the last few years.

“I really hope I will be able to improve the quality of life for the people I will be supporting. I will be volunteering with Work the World and raising funds for supplies for the school, hospital and the children in Ghana.”

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