NHS nurse makes 'humbling' donation on Ghana visit

The 16-day visit started in late September and concluded earlier this month

An NHS nurse described a visit to Ghana to deliver hospital donations and provide healthcare education as "transformative and humbling".

Eunice Vial, a rheumatology specialist at Northampton General Hospital (NGH), used annual leave to complete a 16-day visit to the West African nation, returning earlier this month.

She gave clinical training at a teaching hospital, delivered a donation of end-of-use medical books from NGH and spoke at a workshop educating hundreds of young girls on topics including menstrual hygiene and financial literacy.

Mrs Vial said her aim was "to empower young people and nurses with knowledge that can help them".

She said the visit revealed "not only the material needs of Ghanaian children but also their resilience, intelligence, and thirst for knowledge".

"Every dance, smile, and heartfelt 'thank you' reminded us that hope is alive, and with the right support, these young lives can be uplifted and empowered," she continued.

Eunice Vial said the project had boosted health awareness in the local community

Mrs Vial's support for healthcare and education in Ghana was borne out of the loss of a family friend in the country due to poor care in 2022.

She said it revealed to her the lack of resources, training, and basic care available, and vowed to empower children, and in particular young girls, about promoting their health.

"Many girls are vulnerable because they are faced with poverty due to financial restraints, lack of health education, high incidence of teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, a lack of menstrual and personal hygiene care," she explained.

"By supporting the community, we were educating everyone to look after each other."

Mrs Vial delivered clinical training at a hospital and spoke at a workshop during the visit

It was the sixth such visit that Mrs Vial had made to Ghana to support young people and nurses since 2022.

NGH's director of nursing Jo Smith said: "Eunice's recent trip to Ghana reflects her commitment and contribution to empowering young people and nursing colleagues outside of NGH.

"Thank you for making a difference, Eunice."