Mark Wilson gives you the low down on how to arrange your elective in the Solomon IslandsThe Solomon Islands sound like a tropical paradise, and in years gone by they were. But, unfortunately, that is not the case at the moment. With the civil unrest that has escalated in the past few weeks, the UK government is advising against travel to either the island of Guadalcanal or Malaita, except for essential business. Up to date advice on these and other islands can be found on the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office website (www. fco.gov.uk). Despite this, some of the remote hospitals do offer fantastic experiences both within and outside the hospital--the diving is said to be some of the best in the world.

The six main islands are Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Malaita, New Georgia, San Cristobal, and Santa Isabel. Among the islands more than 80 languages are spoken, although Pidgin is spoken on most of them. For another view on working in the Solomon Islands check out www. hermannoberli.ch

Medicine

There are six governmental hospitals and many missionary hospitals that provide the basic medical care for the population of 400 000. These are tropical islands and diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, dengue fever, filariasis, and Japanese encephalitis are all present.

Visas and work permits

Technically, no visa is required for visits to the Solomon Islands for up to three months. However, you will need return tickets and a passport valid for three months beyond expected stay and may need an electronic Australian visa if you go via Australia. They say that for "working" you do need a visa. Contact your destination hospital for advice.

Vaccinations

Polio, tetanus, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B vaccinations are all essential. Malaria, falciparum, and vivax are endemic, so use all the mosquito precautions--spray, netting, etc--and get the latest advice from your occupational health department on prophylaxis. Consider Japanese B encephalitis and rabies jabs.

The ministry and the director of medical services are based in the main hospital. Ministry of Health and Medical Services, PO Box 349, Honiara, Solomon Islands (tel +677 23 600; fax 24 243)

Guadalcanal

Honiara is the capital on the main island of Guadalcanal. It makes an excellent base from which to explore the other islands.

Central Hospital (Numbaneen)/National Referral Hospital

Box 349, Honiara, Solomon Islands (tel +677 23 600; fax 24 243)

This is 280 bed hospital is the main one for the islands. Originally known as 'Number 9', it was built as a military hospital by the US army during the second world war. It is very busy and highly recommended for medicine, surgery, or obstetrics and gynaecology. Most people stay at Kiwi House while they are here, but it is not free and not great.

New Georgia

Helena Goldie Hospital, PO Box 82, Munda, Solomon Islands (tel +677 61 121). This was the destination in this months elective report and the hospital sometimes goes to surrounding islands to run clinics. Heavy fighting around here in the second world war has left many ship and plane wrecks for exploration while diving.

Gizo

Gizo Hospital, PO Box 36, Gizo, Gizo Province, Solomon Islands (tel +677 60 224). This well run 55 bed hospital was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1959. Few students go here so there is less teaching but plenty of opportunity for practical procedures. Again, excellent diving is nearby.

Santa Cruz Island

Lata Hospital, Lata, Santa Cruz Island, Temotu Province, Solomon Islands (tel +677 53 044/5; fax: 53 044). This is a 40 bed hospital with eight antenatal, eight male and eight female, eight paediatric beds, one ward for tuberculosis with four beds, one isolation bed, an operating theatre and a minor operations room. They do about 20 minor cases a month. There are lots of paediatric cases, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections--although not HIV--malaria and scrub typhus. This hospital is good for general medicine and minor operations. Excellent snorkelling can be done here. Temotu is remote and can be hot (35ºC).

Malaita Island

Kilu'ufi Hospital, Auki, Malaita Island, Solomon Islands (tel +677 40 272). This is the hospital for a large island just north of Guadalcanal.

Ulawa

Kira Kira Hospital, Kira Kira, Ulawa Island (tel +677 50 100)