Radostina’s story

During my time as a volunteer radiographer at Mawenzi Hospital in Moshi, Tanzania, I was profoundly impressed by my colleagues from the Radiology team. Their strong teamwork, effective communication, and mutual respect created an inviting and collaborative environment. I felt warmly welcomed and quickly became part of their team.

The hospital had the same Siemens CT scanner that we do, allowing us to share our experiences and knowledge. However, the team was still developing their protocols, having had the scanner for only a year, and lacked formal training. One significant difference in our clinical practice was their use of contrast material; they used the pump injector quite sparingly, primarily for angiograms, instead mostly relying on manual injections for CT scans, including heads and abdomen/pelvis scans, achieving good image quality through precise timing.

A dedicated anesthesiology nurse handled cannulation, contrast injection, and patient positioning, allowing radiographers to focus on imaging. Despite the scanner’s limited use (serving less than 10 patients per day), the hospital handled a high volume of X-rays due to prevalent diseases such as tuberculosis, exacerbated by low hygiene standards. Patients often had to pay cash for the services, as national health insurance was not widespread.

My overall experience at the hospital was incredibly positive. The staff organized a heartfelt farewell lunch, expressing their gratitude. Beyond the hospital, I explored Tanzania, enjoying a safari where I saw four of the ‘Big Five’ animals.

Additionally, I encountered numerous volunteers from the UK, including students, nurses, and doctors from various regions, all coordinated through an agency. We contributed to the agency, which in turn supported the hospital and provided us with accommodations. This rich experience offered both professional growth and a unique cultural experience.