Kabale University Students Deliver Psychosocial Support to Patients at Nyakibale Hospital
On November 15, 2024, a team of 151 students and 11 lecturers from the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at Kabale University traveled to St. Karoli Lwanga Hospital – Nyakibale in Rukungiri District for a transformative community outreach program. This initiative aimed to provide psychosocial support to inpatients while offering students hands-on experience in social work practice.
The journey began early, with the team departing Kabale University at 9:00 a.m. and arriving at Nyakibale by 11:00 a.m. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by the hospital’s management, including the Hospital Administrator, Mr. Okoci Andrew and Principal Nursing Officer, Ms. Kebirungi Agatha, who is an alumna of Kabale University. The hospital’s storied history as a missionary healthcare center founded in 1963 and its role as a 180-bed Health Center IV facility were shared with the visitors, providing context for the day’s activities.
During a briefing session, students expressed their eagerness to gain practical experience, interact with patients and understand the critical role of social work in healthcare. The hospital management assured the students that these expectations would be integrated into their engagement activities.
The outreach involved a series of well-structured activities. Students were divided into four groups and assigned to different wards, including Medical, Surgical and Maternity. Guided by hospital staff, they provided psychosocial support to patients and caregivers, focusing on listening, empathy and emotional reassurance. This interaction was deeply impactful for both the students and the patients, fostering a sense of community and solidarity.
In addition to providing support, students distributed thoughtful gifts such as soap and bags to the patients, reinforcing the compassionate spirit of social work. The visit also featured a training session led by the Hospital Administrator, which covered key topics like social casework in healthcare systems, psychosocial support for terminally ill patients and strategies for addressing domestic violence cases.
Throughout the day, the Kabale University team adhered to strict guidelines to ensure patient safety and maintain hospital decorum. These included minimizing physical contact, proper waste disposal and wearing appropriate attire.
The visit also served as an opportunity to promote Kabale University. Brochures and stickers highlighting the university’s programs, particularly within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, were distributed, further enhancing the institution’s visibility in the region.
Reflecting on the visit, several observations were made. The hospital was commended for its cleanliness, access to clean drinking water and reliance on solar energy. However, the shortage of social workers was noted as a challenge, with recommendations made to recruit more professionals to address patients’ complex social and emotional needs.
The outreach concluded successfully, leaving a lasting impression on both the students and the hospital staff. Students gained invaluable practical experience while embodying the values of compassion and service. The hospital management expressed their gratitude for the visit, emphasizing its positive impact on patient morale and recovery.
This community outreach program highlighted Kabale University’s commitment to integrating academic learning with real-world impact, showcasing the vital role of social work in bridging healthcare and community needs.
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