Today was a very impactful and thought-provoking day, as it combined learning about a serious global issue with visiting a real-world healthcare setting. It was a day that not only provided new information but also challenged my perspective and gave me insight into areas that many people do not often get to experience.
We began the day with a lecture on female genital mutilation, also known as female genital cutting. The lecture was serious and informative in tone, which was appropriate given the nature of the topic. We started by learning about its origins and why it is still practised today. One of the main reasons discussed was cultural tradition, along with the idea of establishing control over women. It was also explained that this practice is most common in poorer, less developed nations and typically occurs between infancy and the age of 15.
As the lecture continued, we learned about the four different types of female genital mutilation and the various health consequences associated with each. Learning about these different types made the topic feel even more real and impactful. Personally, I found this lecture somewhat disturbing, especially when considering the long-term physical and psychological effects it can have. It was definitely one of the more difficult topics we have covered so far, but also one of the most important. It highlighted how cultural practices can sometimes conflict with health and human rights, and it emphasized the importance of education and awareness in addressing these issues.
After the lecture, we had a 45-minute break before heading to Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Upon arriving, my initial feeling was somewhat sad, although that was more due to the fact that it is a children’s hospital rather than anything about the hospital itself. The environment inside the hospital was actually quite welcoming. Many of the hallways were very colourful, which clearly helps create a more comforting and less intimidating atmosphere for children and their families.
During our visit, we were given a tour of several different areas within the hospital. One of the most interesting parts was the Brindley School, which is a school located inside the hospital. This stood out to me because, as far as I know, many children’s hospitals in the United States do not have fully integrated school systems like this. It really showed the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy and continuity for children, even while they are receiving medical care.
We also visited the staff wellbeing hub, which is designed to give healthcare workers a safe and comfortable place to decompress during their shifts. This was another aspect that stood out, as it highlights how much importance is placed on supporting not just patients, but also the staff. Healthcare can be an incredibly demanding field, so having a space dedicated to mental and emotional wellbeing seems extremely valuable.
Another significant stop on the tour was Magnolia House, which focuses on bereavement and palliative care, providing support for families during incredibly difficult times. The atmosphere there felt very sad, but also meaningful, as it is a place designed to help families cope with loss and grief. It reinforced how healthcare is not just about treatment, but also about compassion and support.
We also learned about the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), which has 31 beds and over 300 nurses, typically maintaining a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio. This was particularly striking to me, as I feel that this level of care is much better than what is often seen in the United States. It shows a strong commitment to ensuring that each patient receives the attention and care they need.
To conclude the visit, we heard from a PICU nurse and participated in a panel where the nursing majors in our group had the opportunity to ask questions. Even though I did not personally ask any questions, it was still interesting to listen and gain insight into their experiences working in such a high-pressure environment.
Overall, this day provided me with insight that many of my peers likely will not have. It combined learning about a serious global issue with seeing firsthand how healthcare systems operate and support patients, families, and staff. Even though I am an early childhood education major, there were still many takeaways that I can apply to my future career. In particular, seeing the Brindley School reinforced the importance of care, support, and creating a positive environment for students, no matter their circumstances.
This was a meaningful and eye-opening day that I will likely remember for a long time, as it challenged my thinking and gave me a deeper appreciation for both global health issues and the role of compassion in care.