FAQs about doing a medical elective
You may have many questions before you come to Rushere for your elective – this page contains answers to the most commonly asked questions. If you have a question which is not listed, please ask us!
- How do I get from Entebbe to Rushere?
- How much will it cost me?
- Can I drink alcohol at the hospital?
- What should I wear?
- What kind of food will I be eating?
- What should I bring?
- Can I use the Internet at Rushere?
- Will my mobile work?
- What is the electricity supply like?
- Can I take photos?
- What vaccinations do I need?
- Are there banks in Rushere?
Q1. How do I get from Entebbe to Rushere?
It takes about 5 hours to travel by road in a private car from Entebbe to Rushere. The journey by public transport takes between 5 and 6 hours from Kampala to Rushere. The human resource manager Rushere community hospital can make arrangements to meet electives/visitors in Kampala or Entebbe and also arrange overnight accommodation if required.
Feel free to use any means of your convenience that you feel comfortable with. Please contact the Administrator or Human Resource Manager to discuss details on mobile number is + 256 (0) 777700202 / 700700202, or email at rusherehospital@yahoo.com
Q2. How much will it cost me?
You will need enough money for the following:
- £100.00 (sterling) a week, which covers accommodation and meals at the Guest House.
- A minimum of £100 non refundable should be paid when booking, towards the Good Samaritan Fund (GSF). (This is a one off payment)
- In case of travel to national parks, arrangements can also be made.
- For payment options, follow the link below: Rushere Hospital Support
Q3. Can I drink alcohol at the hospital?
We request that electives do not drink at the hospital. This would cause offence to staff and patients.
Q4. What should I wear?
Please dress modestly, particularly in the hospital.
Women – whilst at Rushere, please avoid shorts, short skirts and tight jeans, as these are viewed quite negatively. However, these can be worn while travelling, visiting Game Parks or playing sports.
Men – shorts are sometimes worn for leisure, but never for work.
Make sure you bring at least one nice outfit, as it is usual to dress well for parties and weddings.
Q5. What kind of food will I be eating?
The guest house has a range of meals including a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, as is good quality beef.
Q6. What should I bring?
A number of items are essential for your work at Rushere:
- White coat
- Surgical gloves
- Stethoscope
- Eye protection
- Some books – Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine (Longmore, Wilkinson and Took) and Lecture Notes on Tropical Medicine (Bell)
- A good torch
- Any donation in terms of money, books, equipment towards the hospital can be appreciated.
In addition, you may like to bring the following:
- Photos of friends and family to show to people at Rushere
- Books and hobbies, particularly if you’ll be with us for a long time
- A surge protector if you are bringing electrical equipment
- Your camera, and space on your memory card or film
- A guide book eg the Brandt Travel Guide on Uganda or the Lonely Planet Guide to East Africa
Q7. Can I use Internet at Rushere?
Yes, there is free WiFi in the hospital premises, as the access credentials availed from the hospital administrators. Internet access is also available in the Guest House via a mobile phone connection.
Q8. Will my mobile phone work?
It is very easy to get local SIM cards within the locality, and can pay using your bank account, Mobile money, or even Airtel Money. If you want to use a Uganda SIM card, please make sure your phone is “unlocked” so that the new SIM card will work.
Q9. What is the electricity supply like?
There is always constant power supply and in case of any challenges, a standby generator is available.
Q10. Can I take photos?
Uganda is really beautiful, so you’ll find plenty to take photos of. However, if you would like to take photos of anyone in the hospital, please ask their permission first.
Q11. What vaccinations do I need?
Please consult your doctor, as a number of vaccinations are needed as well as anti-malarial drugs.
Q12. Are there banks in Rushere?
Yes, a variety of banks in the Rushere town which accept VISA cards.