Two health and social care students aiming to pursue a career as midwives in the island will spend three weeks gaining experience in one of Thailand’s busiest hospitals.
Pippa Hempsall, of Ballasalla, and Beth Vickers, of Foxdale, both 18, leave for Chiang Mai on Friday to start their medical placement through Gap Medics.
Every day they will be assigned to the maternity departments and under direction of a mentor, assist patients in antenatal, labour and postnatal stages of their birthing process, as well as working with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Pippa said: The challenge of working in one of Thailand’s busiest hospital with an unfamiliar language, customs, policies and procedures excites me.
‘I believe the experience will give insight into the different ways in which culture shapes the role of a midwife.
‘The opportunity I am most looking forward to, however, is being of assistance and support to women and their families during pregnancy, the birthing process and early motherhood.
‘It is of utmost privilege to be involved with a women’s potentially life-changing experience, whilst working alongside highly-commendable healthcare professionals.
‘I expect the experience to be eye-opening, heart-warming and very fast-paced. My only worry is trying to understand the language. I have a feeling we will live by our phrase book!’
Beth said: I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous. However I am incredibly excited.’
She said she chose midwifery ‘because it is one of the few health professions that do not care for the sick and dying’.
‘Midwives are responsible for caring for women in their most vulnerable state. We are trusted with bringing their child into the world and caring for them throughout their pregnancy, and I think this makes it a remarkable and extraordinary career.’
In September they start their second and final year of a Health and Social Care Level 3 Extended Diploma at Isle of Man College. They will apply for a three-year midwifery degree this year.
