NGH nurse has delivered a community support mission to Ghana

A Rheumatology Nurse Specialist at Northampton General Hospital has returned from a successful 16-day trip to the Republic of Ghana to support vital healthcare and education.

Eunice Vial visited Ghanian hospitals and schools in her annual leave from September 19 to October 4.

She delivered clinical training at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, donations of medical books to Tain District Hospital, supported a community engagement event with a Children’s Party in Dodowa, attended by 170 children, and a Girls’ Empowerment Workshop at Ayikuma School attended by more than 200 girls.

She said: “My aim was to help inform, educate, and empower young people and nurses with knowledge that can help them.

“This mission has been both transformative and humbling. It 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.”

Eunice’s support for healthcare and education in Ghana began with the tragic loss of a family friend in Ghana which was the result of poor care in 2022 which revealed to her the lack of resources, training, and basic care available.

She vowed to work towards improving healthcare quality and education and empowering the youth, especially young girls, in building a healthier community.

She said: “On 30th September we held a Girls’ Empowerment Workshop aimed to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene, self-worth, financial literacy, and empowerment.

“Initially planned for 150 participants, the event welcomed 215 girls—highlighting its importance and community demand.

“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.

“By supporting the community we were educating everyone to look after each other.”

It was the sixth trip Eunice, who is married Stephane, and has two children, has made to the country since 2022 to support young people and nurses.

She also

• Helped unpack and sort donated medical supplies from the UK, which were distributed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and Tain District Hospital
• Delivered medical textbooks to Tain District Hospital donated by NGH’s library service
• Delivered training in Tracheostomy care and Basic Life Support to 21 nurses on the ENT ward at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital
• Visited Labone Secondary School and taught Basic Life Support to 49 students—two selected from each class.

Some of the feedback from the Girls Empowerment event include: “I’ve learned how to save money”; “I’ve learned that I am valuable and can be confident and successful.” “I’ve learned that dreams are possible.” “I’ve learned that menstruation is natural and nothing to be ashamed of.”

Eunice has thanked her NGH colleagues Lead Midwife Pathway to Excellence, Sarah Coiffait, and Lead Professional Nurse Advocate, Sophie Mayes, for their support in preparing for her journey including collecting donations and making tote bags to be distributed to the young girls. Also to colleagues in the NGH Library for donating end-of-service medical books to her.

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.”