Physiotherapist, Angela Ryan, Milford Hospice Volunteer.

I volunteered in Hospice Jinja from 7.01.10 to 28.01.10. In Ireland I work as a Senior Physiotherapist  in Palliative Care in Milford Care Centre in Limerick, and was keen to see the differences and similarities between Palliative care services in Ireland and Uganda. I found the hospice staff and patients to be genuinely warm, caring and welcoming, and was regularly humbled by their gratitude! The positive outlook of the Ugandan people is wonderful to experience!

I found the daily work at the hospice to be most interesting. The hospice staff aims to spread the word and the work of Palliative Care throughout the district, I saw their willingness to travel long distances to outreach clinics and home visits to reflect this aim. During my time at the hospice, I participated in patient care in a variety of settings: hospice appointments, day care, hospital visits, outreach clinics and home visits; as well as presenting at in-hospice education sessions. I contributed to Palliative Care team discussions on patient management, and offered my discipline- specific knowledge in the meeting the needs of patients with musculoskeletal pain, mobility deficits, breathlessness and respiratory difficulties and those presenting with lymphoedoma.

I enjoyed working with all members of hospice team and gained valuable insight into Palliative care services in a health care setting very different from home.

Overall, I enjoyed my time in Jinja , balancing work during the day with rest in the Ugandan sunshine, and would recommend the trip to anyone that is thinking of going! I wish all those involved with Hospice Jinja, including patients, staff and supporters all the best in the future.