Speech & Language Therapy Associate

Medi Trip Placements

Founded and run by a qualified medical professional, Medi Trip is clinically led, medically focused and patient centred. At Medi Trip we are distinguished in being able to use our healthcare experience and expertise to pick the most suitable settings for our professional volunteers to experience. When you volunteer with Medi Trip, your volunteer placement would have been chosen specifically to suit your area of interest. Each of our placements are carefully assessed and selected for suitability to our professional volunteers, as well as how much contribution goes into the local health and social welfare. 

• undertaking assessments including patients with dysphagia and swallowing difficulties
• planning and providing appropriate treatment
• giving advice and support to patients, family members and teachers
• writing reports
• maintaining records and case notes
• liaising with doctors, physiotherapists, teachers, family members and carers
• performing controlled therapy sessions with individuals, groups and/or families.
• attending various appointment locations across the community, making home visits and seeing patients at the clinic

Medi Trip Placements

At Medi Trip we are distinguished in being able to use our healthcare experience and expertise to pick the most suitable settings for our professional volunteers to experience. When you volunteer with Medi Trip, your volunteer placement would have been chosen specifically to suit your area of interest. Each of our placements are carefully assessed and selected for suitability to our professional volunteers, as well as how much contribution goes into the local health and social welfare. 

About Richard's Bay, KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal also referred to as KZN and known as "the garden province" in South Africa, which was created in 1994 when the Zulu people of KwaZulu (meaning "Place of the Zulu" in Zulu) and the Natal Province were merged. It is located in the southeast of the country, enjoying a long shoreline beside the Indian Ocean and sharing borders with three other provinces and the countries of Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho. Its capital is Pietermaritzburg and its largest city is Durban. It is the 2nd most populous province in South Africa, with slightly fewer residents than Gauteng.

During the 1830s and early 1840s, the northern part of what is now KwaZulu-Natal was occupied by the Zulu Kingdom while the southern part was, briefly, the Boer republic of Natalia before becoming, in 1843, the British Colony of Natal. KwaZulu remained independent until 1879.

KwaZulu-Natal is the birthplace of many notable figures in South Africa's history, such as Albert Luthuli, the first non-white and the first person from outside Europe and the Americas to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1960).

Where will you stay?

Hidden along the coastline of kwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Richard's Bay offers a stunning backdrop to an unforgettable experience. This is a stunning coastal destination. Richards Bay is a town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is situated on a 30 square kilometre lagoon of the Mhlatuze River, which gives it one of the country's largest harbours. Richards bay also has the deepest natural harbour in the Southern hemisphere.

Where will you stay?

You will stay in a beautiful , private guest house in Richard's Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. Providing safe, clean and comfortable  accommodation:

• Self-Catering, basic food and supplies provided weekly 
• Comfortable bedding
  
• Airconditioning
  
• Free WiFi
  
• Housekeeping
  
• Private garden & swimming pool access
  
• Private parking
• 15 min drive to the beach and shopping malls

This will be a quiet and friendly suburban neighbourhood only 15 minutes from the main hustle and bustle of town and the beach. You will have wifi, hot showers, 24 hour gated compound and the owner and on-site placement supervisor who will ensure you settle in quickly and comfortably into your new town. The house is impeccably clean, well kept, modern and spacious. 

How will you get around?

You will need to be willing to take public transport to travel to various work locations or it is also recommended  that you bring your driving license and hire a vehicle for your placement duration.

VISA & PERMIT Information

Your VISA will be permanently stamped in your passport on entry to South Africa and valid for 90 days.

Where do my fees go?

Most of your fees are spent locally. Fees ensure you have above standard accommodation, that you have someone personally picking you up at the airport, orientating you and you have a coordinator day to day and clinical supervisor at placement. 

Do any fees go directly to the projects?

​Yes they do. Although we don't necessarily think that making financial contributions solve the complex issues faced by deprived areas, we do make a charitable donation on your behalf to your project placement. This is not mandatory. We do this as we know how challenging it can be for our partners to host, supervise and very often teach volunteers. We want our partners to know they are valued and respected for their time as best we can. 

What should I wear to placement?

Uniform or simple comfortable clothing that is bare below the elbow and covers your knees. You will be in a hot and humid climate that will require clothing that will keep you cool and easy to move around in. Comfortable shoes that protect and cover your feet, trainers are fine.

Should I bring any gloves, personal protective equipment or  medical equipment?

Remember you're going into poorly resourced area, they will not have access to the same equipment you would at home. We usually encourage volunteers to bring a box of gloves for personal use and to share with colleagues, hand sanitizer and stethoscopes. Second hand medical books/information you may want to leave behind is also a simple but great resource to share with your colleagues and refer to together on placement. 

What insurance should I get?

​You should ensure you're adequately covered by comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay. You should also ensure you have indemnity insurance (UK: RCN membership for nurses/student nurses and BMA/MDU membership for doctors/medical students). For our EU, US and others please check with your employers/university/college or national employment body on indemnity.

What vaccinations should I get?

​Please visit the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention for excellent up to date travel vaccination information.

Where can I get cheap flights?

​There are dozens of great websites online for cheap flights. It is advisable to get your flights as early as possible to be able to logistically plan your trip.

Is Africa safe for me to travel alone? Do I need to be with other volunteers?

​Regardless of whether you're volunteering on a clinical mission, you're still a tourist. Forward planning is key to protecting yourself from risk as you would anywhere in the world. As a group or a solo traveller from abroad, you will attract attention but, you will also have a great support system in your volunteer coordinators, fellow travellers/volunteers and ​supervisors. It's important to try and be conscientious of your new surroundings and respect and follow local customs as much as possible and insure yourself from any possible risks. 

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Africa is a large continent with every country varying greatly in local culture, customs, rules and regulations. Research your destination as much as possible and ask as many questions as possible. We would never place you at risk or in harm's way, however it is important you take ownership of your journey and behave responsibly. 

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Still have more questions? Ask away and get in touch!