Hundreds helped by UEL lecturer
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Published
09 November 2023
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Hundreds of patients in Zambia have received treatment after a volunteer medical mission to the southern African nation, with the University of East London’s senior lecturer in nursing, Kelly Ncube, one of the medical staff taking part.
She was a member of a seven-strong team of three doctors and four nursing experts that treated 500 people in just five days, with Mrs Ncube also finding time to train nurses and talk to local schoolchildren.
The work was carried out at Chilanga District Hospital, with the assistance of Kings Church, Zambia, and saw Mrs Ncube deliver a refresher course at the hospital on venepuncture, or how to get blood or samples from veins and cannulation, the insertion of tubes into the body.
She also spoke to patients about women’s wellbeing, domestic violence, post-partum and mental health and carried out breast screening, blood pressure and blood sugar checks.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Mrs Ncube has been on more than 10 volunteering trips to Zambia and Ghana. On her return to the UK, she said,
Giving back to the community and doing volunteer work brings a sense of belonging".
"My mum was Zambian, my dad is Zimbabwean, and I prefer giving back rather than receiving. I loved having the opportunity to speak to the schoolchildren in Chilanga regarding my career progression in nursing and in higher education. I hope my life journey has inspired many to never give up and to work hard to achieve their life goals and dreams personally and professionally."
And that journey might soon receive even wider recognition, with Mrs Ncube's recent nomination for a Baton Award in the services to education category.
The awards, founded by Dr Diahanne Rhiney, celebrate the achievements of women from diverse racial groups who have overcome barriers to success in industries and professions where such women struggle to be recognised.
The awards will be presented at a gala ceremony in London on 1 December.