Santo

Northern District Hospital, Luganville

• Destination contact(email): none available
• Destination website: none available

What and where is Vanuatu?
Vanuatu is a group of islands in the South Pacific, about 3 hours from the east coast of Australia. With a population of only around 200,000, most locals live in traditional villages, There are only 2 real ‘towns’ as such – the capital (Port Vila on the island of Efate) and Luganville (on the island of Santo). These are also the places that are home to the 2 main hospitals of Vanuatu. Although the hospital in Vila is relatively quite well equipped in terms of staff and equipment, the Northern District Hospital is much more basic. It has around 100-or-so beds housing medical, surgical, paediatric, obs & gynae and TB patients. In addition, there are a number of outpatient clinics, the bulk of which cover general problems/infectious diseases (almost all malaria). There are monthly eye clinics/theatres held by visiting doctors. The hospital itself has x-ray facilities, a basic laboratory (malaria films and full blood counts only, really) and limited ultrasound facilities. The hospital is situated up a hill above the town of Luganville.

Is it safe?
I felt very safe in Vanuatu, but then I was always with a group of people. Due to the fact that it is not a very populated place with limited street lighting, it can get very quiet and dark at nights even in the ‘towns’.

What did you do in your spare time?
Read lots of books. There are lots of things to see around the island (beaches, caves etc.) and on other islands (eg. Volcanos, etc.). Not huge amounts of restaurants/bars/shops around so it’s not the busiest elective destination.

Is there anything that you would particularly recommend others to do?
On Santo: Champagne beach and millennium caves (and lots of good dive sites if you like to dive). Be warned though…the nearest dive doctor is on Vila so if something goes wrong, you have to treat yourself. Thought that might scare you.

Also, go to the island of Tanna (see the volcano). And on Efate, see the cascades just outside Vila and go big game fishing around Lelapa island.

What was the weather like?
Rains a lot, but always hot. Santo is less hot/sunny and more overcast than Vila. Tanna is a bit cooler. April/May to October is generally the 'dry' season.

What was your accommodation like?
Good. 4 rooms, each with a bunk bed and a single bed. All have attached bathrooms. Some beds have own mosquito nets. A students common room/kitchen is attached, which has a TV/DVD player and some books. Check availability of this accomidation when you are arranging your elective. Lester (a nurse) sorts out getting keys for you when you get there.

How much did it cost?
About £50 for first 2 weeks, then about £25 per week after.

Did you enjoy your visit?
Yes.

Did you find it useful medically?
Yes and no. Very little of what you learn is applicable back home. For something different and the chance to ‘do as much as possible with very little available’, definitely.

Travel arrangements:
Air NZ (Lon-LA-Fiji). Air Vanuatu (Fiji-Vila). Van Air (Vila-Santo). The Van Air internal flights are around £100 return to most islands. These can be booked when you are already in Vanuatu (there are booking offices in Port Vila and Luganville). Don't forget to ask for student discount (25% off!)

What was the approximate total cost?
Flights £1200, accom £50, living costs £100ish/week.

Is there any other information that you think may be useful?
The old electives coordinator (Dr Chris Tari) had left prior to my arrival, and at last check there was no-one really coordinating things. Dr Sameesa is the best person to contact at the hospital as he should be there in the near future so will be your best bet for organising electives. The hospital may also move to a newer improved building in the near future - this was under construction when I was there, but given 'island time', it may be several years before it actually opens!