St Francis hospital is a Church Administered Hospital situated on the outskirts of Katete in Eastern Zambia. It is a large hospital, serving the population of Katete district which stands at 200,000 and is a specialist centre for the Eastern Province with a population of approximately 1.5 million people. The small rural village of Katete is a 45 minute walk from the hospital campus and has a very small selection of shops, services and a bustling market. The nearest large town is Chipata, 90km from the village. Complicated cases that cannot be investigated or treated at St Francis are referred to Lusaka, Zambia’s capital.
The 350 beds are divided between adult medical (male and female), paediatric, maternity and surgical (male and female – including gynaecology) wards. The hospital has a large nursing school and functions as a teaching hospital for other health professionals. There are 2 operating theatres, accommodating 6 “routine” theatre lists each week as well as emergency work. Over 3000 operations are performed annually. There is also a busy labour ward (2000 deliveries each year) and a basic Special Care Baby Unit.
The General Outpatient Department is the main point of access to the hospital’s services for most patients. 93,038 people are seen and treated annually (on average, 255 per day).
There are specialist clinics held at St Francis including General Surgical, Medical, Paediatric and Gynaecology.
St Francis has developed a specialist clinic for HIV/AIDS called the “Sandy Logie” clinic which runs 5 days a week and also sends health professionals out to satellite clinics. There are currently 8,000 patients on ART under the care of the Sandy Logie Clinic.
Paramedical services include physiotherapy, X-ray, laboratory and pharmacy.
Orthopaedic surgeons, general surgeons, gynaecologists, ENT, physiotherapists, General Medics. Elective students very welcome, highly recommended for medical students.
The hospital is located far into the Eastern Province of Zambia and situated just off the Great East Road. It is approximately a 7 hour bus drive from Lusaka. These buses are easy to catch from Lusaka central bus station and should cost no more than 120 Zambian Kwacha. Alternatively for doctors, hospital transport can be organised from Lusaka airport. Lilongwe in Malawi is an alternative to Lusaka but provides more of a challenge in getting across the border.
Available on site. For elective students, the charge was around £8/day and included all meals, accommodation and laundry. Visiting doctors are advised to contact the hospital re costs.
This varied between the health professionals there. For an elective 6-8 weeks is perfect. Some of the doctors at St Francis were staying for 6 months, others for 3 and some for 2 years. It is very variable and would depend on the availability of posts and on your preference. However, surgeons are needed, particularly in orthopaedics and would no doubt be encouraged to stay as long as possible.
Elective students should apply for a student visa, but, this only lasts 28 days and has to be renewed in Katete. For working doctors, please contact the hospital for advice. More information can be found athttp://www.zambiahc.org.uk/visa_requirements.html
contact email for students: students@saintfrancishospital.net
alternate telephone number: (+)26 216 252 344
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St Francis relies on the influx of foreign doctors from all around the world. There are 3 Zambian doctors at the hospital but the rest are foreigners staying for variable periods. Without these doctors the hospital simply would not function. In addition to these doctors, the hospital has a number of other medical professionals, medical officers and student nurses.