Lessons From Labour Ward: My Trinidad Elective

Abstract

When I chose my junior elective, I wanted more than just a change of scenery, I wanted to broaden my perspective. That search took me to Mount Hope Women’s Hospital in Trinidad, where I spent four weeks in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department.

The contrast with the UK was immediate. While the dedication of the staff was unquestionable, the hospital faced significant challenges: outdated equipment, stretched resources, and a public system that left many patients waiting longer than they could afford. For some, the only alternative was private healthcare, an option that came with both faster treatment and a higher price tag. Doctors in the public system often found themselves recommending that option if the patients could afford it, to avoid long delays. It was hard not to draw parallels with the NHS, where long waits are becoming increasingly familiar. Yet what struck me most in Trinidad was not the shortage of resources, but the resilience and ingenuity of the healthcare professionals, for example using hospital gloves as tourniquets for blood draws. These people went above and beyond to deliver timely care, despite the obstacles.

Outside the hospital walls, I had the chance to experience Trinidad. Mornings began with doubles, a delicious local street food staple, while Sundays often ended at Maracas Beach, covered in a generous coating of factor 50. The warmth of the community was just as striking as the island’s scenery. On one occasion, a former patient recognised me at the beach, and came over to thank me, sharing an update on her recovery, a simple but powerful reminder of why we go into medicine.

My time in Trinidad was more than just an elective; it was a lesson in adaptability and compassion. I leave with a deeper understanding of global healthcare challenges, a newfound love for Caribbean street food, and the enduring belief that kindness and connection are the true heart of medicine, no matter where you are.

Finally, my sincere thanks to the wonderful staff in Unit C, Mount Hope Women’s Hospital, Trinidad for their kindness and invaluable support, and to Dr Craig Napier, Glasgow University for all his help in organizing such a great elective experience.