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Tonga

Written by Cath Langusch, 2002

VAVA’U GROUP Hospital Experience

Prince Wellington Ngu Hospital, smaller than Vaiola but larger than Niu’ui, is situated on top of a hill, with magnificent views down to the port and refreshing breezes rustling through the spacious wards. There are 2 doctors at the hospital, Sa’e and ‘Ela, as well as several Health Assistants. There were usually around 15 inpatients, spread through the various rooms designated for Obstetrics, General Medicine, Surgery and Paediatrics. Operating took place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and there was ample opportunity for delivering babies, but we spent most of our time in the Outpatients’ Clinic, where we were again given plenty of responsibility. We had our own room in which to see and treat patients, though sometimes the department was too busy to afford us a nurse who could translate, so history taking could prove rather difficult. We had picked up a fair bit of medical Tongan by that stage, however, and it was reassuring that we could still diagnose an acute appendicitis in a 17 year old boy despite the language barrier!

Our cases in Vava’u largely consisted of skin infections (especially fungal infections and boils), infestations (scabies), coughs, colds and upper respiratory tract infections, and renewing prescriptions for chronic problems such as hypertension. Curiously, we also saw a lot of tinea versicolor, as well as a few very nasty cases of osteomyelitis.

Out and About

The Vava’u island group appears startlingly different to the Ha’apai and Tongatapu groups given its volcanic, mountainous terrain, whereas the other islands are completely flat. It has a stunning port, which is very popular with yachties, offering them a good safe place to drop anchor and wait out the cyclone season. Vava’u is a lot more touristy than the other parts of Tonga (though still not nearly as touristy as Fiji or their other South Pacific neighbours). It offers a plethora of activities, including whale-watching (July – November), sailing, mountain biking and kayaking. The diving is superb, with reef, cave and wreck dives available, and the snorkelling just as good. There are lots of good bars and restaurants all along the water’s edge – it’s a fantastic place to party.

We stayed with the lovely Lu’isa at the Port Wine Guesthouse when we were in Vava’u, which was clean and homely, and only 10 minutes walk from hospital. Also, at only T$25 for a twin room per night, was cheaper than most other places in town.

We did allow ourselves one weekend of luxury too – we went with some English medical students to stay at the Blue Lagoon Resort, on an outer-lying island, one and a half hours away by boat. It was quite possibly the most idyllic place I have ever been – it is owned and run by Fred, a German master chef, who not only cooks the most amazing food in Tonga (if not the world!) but built all the eccentric fales and the furniture in them himself! When we weren’t eating, we passed the time lazing in hammocks, snorkelling and kayaking. I heartily recommend this place to anyone going to Tonga – it may seem a bit expensive in the Lonely Planet, but if you ring up Fred, say you’re medical students and go in a group, especially in low-season, he will give you a great deal – and it’s worth every seniti.

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