30 th September found me at a very busy private midwives clinic it may not look like much from the outside but it is in one of the poorest areas of the city (Slum) but the lead midwife and her senior midwife supported by two newly qualified nurses deliver 60 babies a month as well as busy immunisation clinics, antenatal care, family planning and it is really clean inside just proves never judge book by its cover.

E's clinic she has been in practice here for 40 years.

Getting ready for baby number one of the day well number one since I arrived at 9.30 E. had delivered two already.

Ugandan version of incubator this baby had quite a slow delivery and required transfer to main hospital 2 hours post delivery.

Baby two normal delivery all well.

Meet the mama a short while later there is a baby in there somewhere.

Baby number 3 and there is not much wrong with her lungs.

Baby number 4 yes I mean four and it was only 5.30 pm was a breech baby which was a sight to see not so common back home the woman had been advised to go to hospital when in labour as diagnosed breech at 36/weeks but arrived in second stage.

Sunday 5th October

Sue are you sure this was such a good idea small wooden boat no life jacket and it appears to have some water in the bottom Titanic springs to mind!

Ok are we sure this cement bollard will hold and yep I just left the trusty boat to find out.

Group of school children who had just been for a trip also checking to see if the white skin rubs off.

2nd and 3rd October and working with one of the lecturers at Mukono school of Nursing and Midwifery based at Ugandan Christian University.

Reminds me of the old days at home they search going in but also on way out don,t know what they think might smuggle out.

Students on BSC Nursing course most interested in expanding knowledge and skills in midwifery unfortunately their is no degree in Midwifery so this is the only option. Discussing the differences between UK and Uganda.

1st October
Myself and Sue observed the national comprehensive nursing practical exams (OSCE) which was a rare insight accommodated by the Muslim School of Nursing and Midwifery at Kibuli.

Getting the stations set up the students not involved in the exams became the patients. These are run very tightly and we had to sign a non disclosure agreement.

Relieved students after the exam is over,.

Hi all
Greetings from Uganda been busy since last blogged so thought I'd give you all quick update in reverse order. Ok so that didn't go so well have just spent last hour putting together lots of photos for it to crash and not load so think short snaps is the order of the day and lots of postings so here is 6th October.

Sue had been asked to visit this and drop of some food supplies and toys

Dorm room unfortunately two other rooms out of action following storms putting holes in the roof

There may be holes in the roof but everyone's birthday is remembered.

Wasiko area very rural private midwives clinic 6-10 births a month on average run by JR. since 1987

postnatal lady delivered last night with beautiful baby boy.

Resus training with JR and her junior member of staff

New BP cuff and basic Midwifery kit given to JR her current BP cuff taped together but this is one woman to be admired she will deliver all women who are low risk that come to her door even if they don't always have the birthing kit the public clinic should take note.

Hi All My new home for the next four nights

Bedroom I know the curtain only goes half way but it was cosy.

A bit different from before don't be fooled toilet for night time use only or emergencies there is a pit latrine for all other times lets just leave it at that.

Guest house sitting room and dinning area really comfy especially by candle light some power issues but hey we are out in the bush all adds to the atmosphere.

Students taking the lead using Mumsie (bought from funds raised SETRUST) as teaching aid to deliver baby doll, I had done this at least four times that day as part of workshop but you Are not seeing those pictures.

Well they all look happy I was exhausted after all that pushing, Happy students with there new books Myles from SET and Sue provided Prompt book and training on Mama Natalie.

And we think are wards are busy about 40 women per ward and each woman relies on family for food and to attend to her often they will sleep on floor beside the women overnight.

Meeting with one of the Midwifery lecturers discussing student documentation. Seriously what does it take to get a tan around here its mid 20's most days and I 'm still pasty white.

Handing over the midwifery kits to the lead Maternity ward Sister.

Sue getting on her bike all ready for a bit of community practice.

Last game of bonanza before heading home myself and Sue with the medical students who we shared the guest house with.

See above that glorious sunshine see 30 minutes later on way back to Kampala.

Seriously scary biscuits the road was like a river I was the unlucky one in the front passenger seat watching rivers of red mud becoming water logged and trying to keep the wind screen from fogging up, 30 minutes later back to sunshine Northern Ireland weather nothing on Rainy season in Uganda. 

Not to worry survived the journey back. Ann and Kate on the right last night so we decided to break out of the hotel for the night and go to local restaurant, well it has to be done traumatic journey and myself and Sue being abandoned!!

Hi All
Been Busy since last chatted.

Wednesday chatting with the local Research Midwives group, Ann taking the lead, just as well since Research not my strong point!!

Thursday finds us at the office of Jean Chamberlain at the Ugandan Christian University exchanging views with midwives from Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

Yes that is a male midwife in the group from Uganda.

Delivery Suite.

Friday: Maternity Clinic in the Public Sector.

The Sluice

Modern Technology Scanner in Public Clinic.

Time for bit of a relaxing time, needed it after the day above.




Well cant work all the time!


Sunday: Tour of the local area around Kampala

Beware not all property for sale as the sign says, In Uganda you may think you have bought a house but it actually belongs to someone else hence the sign.

Sunday Changing religion don't we all look lovely.

View from the top of the local Mosque


Thought better of Converting time for a relaxing Sunday dinner drink at the Golf Club

Time to say Goodbye to My home heading for the Bush.

My bathroom. Goodbye hot water hello cold showers.

Bet will be all change when I hit the Bush on Monday heading to Kiwoko.