Neri Clinics International Volunteering Policy – V 1.0
Introduction
Thank you for giving of your time and expertise for the cause which we at Neri Clinics so strongly believe in. Without volunteers Neri Clinics would not be able to survive. This information package has been designed with your general needs in mind. However each person has their own individual needs both physical and mental that may not be considered in this document. We urge you to consider your own personal needs and prepare appropriately before traveling.
Neri clinics has operated a primary care clinic in Linda compound since 2009 providing accessibility to HIV testing, vaccinations, family planning services, an under 5 clinic and early treatment for common ailments that if otherwise left untreated could progress to significant disabling conditions. The clinic has been in constant operation since 2009 with no break in service. Medical care is carried out by trained local healthcare workers comprising 3 nurses and a clinical officer (physicians assistant). The clinic operates within the auspices of the Zambian Ministry of Health in the district of Chilanga. It forms an integral part of the local healthcare infrastructure.
Why volunteer with Neri Clinics
Volunteering at Neri Clinics allows for a challenging yet rewarding volunteers experience. Working in an area where resources are scarce requiring significant focus on clinical skills and early intervention and working with experienced local healthcare staff provides for a great opportunity for professional development. Working in a community where most of the people live below the poverty line earning a living whatever way they can yet manage a level of happiness that is rare where life should be easier allows for a humbling personal experience (telling the volunteer what to expect).
Zambia is a country with a rich cultural and ecological heritage. There are several wonderful safari parks as well as a thriving art and music scene. Victoria Falls in southern Zambia is one of the natural wonders of the world. Lusaka international airport is a thriving southern african hub with flights to several neighbouring countries and holiday destinations such as Zanzibar.
Neri clinics can offer accommodation close to the clinic and a vehicle for transport to and from the clinic. You will require a full drivers license if you wish to use the vehicle.
Mission Statement
Neri Clinics Limited is committed to excellence in Healthcare. This must be easily accessible to all individuals. It is the aspiration of Neri Clinics that this health service; maintained to the highest of standards; can and will be run by nationals of the respective country. Neri Clinics views every human being as being equal throughout the world and nothing should come between maintaining and striving for such equality for each and every individual.
Vision Statement
We envision a society that strives towards equitable access to best practice healthcare regardless of race, gender or geopolitical location.
Core principles of Neri Clinics
Altruism
Transparency
Integrity
Accountability
Humanity
How we select International Volunteers
All volunteers should be healthcare professionals, clinically trained, have completed undergraduate training and preferably post graduate training. They must be registered with the appropriate registration body in their country of work and be in good standing with that body.
International Volunteers are selected based on their clinical skills, previous experience with international volunteering and time availability. Different types of volunteers may be required at different times depending on the need of the clinic at the time.
Following receipt of an application to volunteer@nericlinics.org we will arrange a follow up phone call or face to face meeting to discuss mutual suitability for the volunteer applicant and Neri Clinics. Following completion of all required documentation a face to face induction meeting will be carried out before departure.
Preparation and planning
Volunteers will be required to book their own travel arrangements to get to Lusaka airport. Neri clinics will arrange transport from the airport to the accommodation should the volunteer require.
Requirements of volunteers prior to departure – we help with these steps
- All volunteers are required to register for temporary registration with the Health Professionals Council of Zambia (HPCZ)
- Have appropriate medical indemnity
- Submit police vetting
- Sign up to code of good conduct, mission statement, privacy policy, child protection policy and letter of intention
- Provide 2 references at least one of which must be from a professional associate.
General roles and responsibilities of volunteers (including where you do not have roles/responsibilities):
- It is the responsibility of the volunteer to organise and book transport from their origin to Lusaka
- It is the responsibility of the volunteer to take the lead in organising the required regulatory papers to work in Zambia (e.g. visa, business permit, HPCZ registration etc)
- When in Zambia volunteers will have the normal roles and responsibilities they would expect of their professional role normally. They will not be required to tend to any administration duties that would not normally be required of their profession. For those involved in specific development projects roles and responsibilities will be discussed as part of the wider project plan.
- Education of peers and juniors
- Contribution to development of the field they are working in in the local community.
Support from Neri Clinics/Our responsibilities
We are available every step of the way to assist in meeting your roles and responsibilities. We will arrange:
- Advice on travel arrangements
- Meeting to organise HPCZ registration
- Induction meeting prior to travel
- On site Induction period icluding
- Meeting with staff
- Briefing on general running of the clinic, referral processes, pharmacy, formulary, types of clinics (hiv testing, family planning, u5, nutrition etc)
- Meeting with the District Chief Medical Officer
- Regular teleconference with Irish medical directors during your period of volunteering
- Teleconference at your request with Volunteer co-ordinator
- Post Volunteering debriefing meeting with volunteer co-ordinator and medical director
Additional personal considerations
Health and travel insurances
- Physical health requirements
- Current illnesses/ongoing medical conditions
- Mental health requirements
- Emotional support
- Home sickness
- Emotional shock/PTSD
- If you intend to document your volunteer period by way of photography, blog, social media or any other public way please discuss with the volunteer co-ordinator regarding the intellectual property of image rights, the privacy policy with regard to such items and patient confidentiality.
last update 04/02/2020