In a city of contrasts, Cape Town's private sector health care and provision is extensive, but it is the rural communities that suffer from an immense lack of facilities. Whilst there are some structures in place for an effective health service, there is an enormous deficit in terms of staff and resources. This is why the volunteers' help is very much appreciated by the nurses and doctors we work with. This placement will give you the chance to make a positive impact on the health service in these underprivileged areas on the outskirts of Cape Town, and to make a profound difference in the lives of people living in the surrounding community. Both qualified and non-qualified volunteers can join this project. Furthermore, qualified volunteers would be able to offer advice to the day care and after care centres that they will be working with in the afternoon. There are many children at these centres with special health care needs.

Activities

* Assisting the clinic supervisors with the many people requiring medical help, especially sick children whose only support is through these clinics.

* Assisting in administering HIV tests if medically qualified (due to the skill required and the sensitive nature of the procedure), pregnancy tests, baby weighing, the checking of vitals (temperature, blood pressure, heart beat etc) and you will furthermore have the opportunity to sit in on consultations should the doctor on duty and the patient be happy with this. There is a vast range of activities to be involved in.

* Assist in sorting medications in the clinic pharmacy as well as labelling these medications.

* Administration work in the clinic would also form part of your volunteer work as there are plenty of patient files that need uploading onto the clinic computer system. The accurate data capturing of this information is of great importance and thus this is an essential activity.

Working Hours

Working hours: 8:00am – 14:30pm (lunch break 12:30-14:00)

* As a volunteer, you will spend each morning of the week in the clinics at the various communities.

* After having spent the morning at one of the clinics that we work with, you will assist in the local community in various aspects in the afternoon. You will rotate between the following community projects (please note that a full day working in the clinics is a possibility).

Details

Project Cost Includes:

* Project Fee: this entails financing that goes directly back into the project that you are involved with. This fee facilitates funding for items such medical supplies, building materials, equipment, etc. Project fees are also used to buy vehicles / equipment for the project, and for developing new housing for volunteers to provide for the expansion of the project

* All airport transfers from Cape Town International Airport upon your arrival and departure

* Comprehensive orientation program.

* All daily transfers to and from your projects during your stay

* Full board and lodging which includes 3 meals a day at our volunteer house

* Weekly laundry service during your stay

* Assistance in your projects by various African Impact staff and Project Managers


Project Cost Excludes:

* Personal travel insurance for the duration of your placement, which must include cover for repatriation

* All transport by air or bus to Cape Town

* All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing (work and other)

* E-mail / Internet and telephone calls.

* Soft drinks, wines and spirits.

* All visas for border crossings.

* Any excursions over-and-above your planned itinerary in Cape Town i.e.

* Traveling the Garden Route, shark cage diving, etc. (your Volunteer Coordinators can help to plan these excursions for you)

Description

Your volunteering mission on The Cape Town Medical and Clinic Assistance Project… The outskirts of Cape Town are some of the poorest areas in Africa and there are countless possibilities to impact the lives of those that are affected by these difficulties through this project. Assist the community by showing your support and commitment to improving health and wellbeing in local townships.