Today started with a bit of an adventure before our academic day even began. Cameron, Meredith, and I woke up early determined to get coffee before heading to class. Our first stop was a café called Crumb and Coffee, but when we arrived, it was closed. We decided to try Starbucks next, only to find that it was closed too! At this point we were getting a little desperate for caffeine, so we kept walking until we found Boston Tea Party, which was thankfully open. I ordered an iced vanilla latte, and Cameron and I shared a biscuit with jam and clotted cream. I was excited to try clotted cream since it’s such a British staple, but I think I still prefer salted butter. It was fun to try something new though, and it felt like a very “UK morning.”
After breakfast we headed to Birmingham City University for our first session of the day. Chinenye gave us a lecture about female genital mutilation (FGM), which was a very serious and important topic. She explained that FGM is a practice that dates back to ancient Egypt and is considered a cultural ritual rather than a religious one. We learned that it has absolutely no health benefits and instead causes many lifelong complications. These complications can include painful menstruation, urinary tract infections, childbirth complications, and pain during intercourse. Hearing about the physical and emotional consequences made the topic especially heavy.
We also learned that around 230 million girls and women worldwide have been affected by FGM, most commonly in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. In the UK, the practice has been illegal since 1985, and it is also illegal for families to take children out of the UK to have the procedure done and then bring them back. Laws in the United States vary by state, but healthcare providers are mandated reporters if they suspect a child is at risk. Chinenye emphasized the importance of recognizing signs, reducing stigma, and approaching affected patients with empathy and cultural sensitivity. The global goal is to eliminate FGM by 2030, and education plays a huge role in making that possible. This lecture was difficult but incredibly meaningful, and it reinforced how important cultural awareness is in healthcare.
After the lecture, we traveled to Birmingham Children’s Hospital, which was one of the experiences I had been looking forward to the most. When we arrived, we were given an overview of the hospital’s system. The hospital has 22 units and 364 beds, making it a large and specialized pediatric facility. We were then taken on a tour, and one of the most moving parts of the visit was seeing the Magnolia Rooms.
The Magnolia Rooms are special spaces designed for families whose children are nearing the end of life. These rooms were built entirely through donations and fundraising and are meant to feel warm and home-like rather than clinical. They allow families to spend precious time together in a peaceful environment and even stay with their child for up to four hours after they pass. Walking through these rooms was both beautiful and heartbreaking. It was impossible not to think about how important compassionate care is for families during their most difficult moments.
We also visited the hospital chapel and heard from the chaplain, who explained how he supports families from all religions and even those who don’t follow any religion at all. The chapel was incredibly moving, especially the two trees covered in notes from families saying goodbye to their children. Reading the messages was emotional, but it reminded me why I chose nursing and the impact healthcare professionals can have on patients and families.
Next, we toured the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). One thing that stood out was the layout. Instead of separate rooms, the beds were separated by curtains, and each patient had one nurse dedicated to them for the entire day. We also had the opportunity to speak with nurses from several specialties, including gastroenterology, general pediatrics, oncology, and PICU. It was fascinating to hear about their experiences and how passionate they were about their work.
Another interesting difference we learned about was the hospital’s hierarchy system. Nurses wear different colored bands and scrubs that represent their level and role within the team. The darker the scrub color, the higher the position. This is very different from the United States, where we don’t typically have a visual system like this.
After such an emotional and inspiring day, Cameron, Meredith, and I decided we needed some retail therapy. We went to the mall and explored stores that are only found in Europe, and I ended up buying a couple of tops. It was a fun way to unwind and shift gears after such a meaningful hospital visit.
To end the night, we grabbed Mexican food at the train station. It was the perfect way to relax, reflect, and recharge after a day filled with learning, emotion, and new experiences. Today was definitely one I will never forget.