Over 40 members of the local community enjoyed a warm welcome to The Health Academy at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals to say ‘thank you’ for their support in the education and development of medical students over the last 12 months.
The afternoon celebrated the help and support received from the group, known as ‘patients as educators’, who donate their time to attend medical student teaching sessions within The Health Academy’s education centres.
In a virtual ward setting or consultation led seminar, medical students on placement from the University of Manchester are given the opportunity to perform limited physical examinations, discuss a patient’s medical history and practice vital communication skills.
Guests were treated to a delicious afternoon tea and enjoyed a range of tricks from local magician Andy Harrison of Rockstar Magic before taking a trip down memory lane with singer and comic Clive Cope.
Trust Chief Executive Karen Partington also made a special appearance to speak with patients as educators about their experiences on the programme and thank them for their continued support for medical students.
The role of a patient as educator also extends to supporting the interview process for new Consultants looking to work within Royal Preston Hospital and Chorley and South Ribble Hospital.
Talking about the day, Deborah Ellis, Assessment and Patient as Educator Co-ordinator at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: “The patients allow medical students to apply their theory into practice whilst also providing a realistic assessment of our students’ capabilities. The patients are always enthusiastic and enjoy the sessions with our students.
“Our annual celebration event is only a small way Lancashire Teaching Hospitals can say thank you to our volunteers who donate their time to educate the next generation of Doctors.``
“Their contribution is invaluable and is greatly appreciated by the education teams and, of course, the students themselves.”
If you would like to know more about “Their contribution is invaluable and is greatly appreciated by the education teams and, of course, the students themselves.”
If you would like to know more about the patients as educators scheme, or how you could get involved, please visit The Health Academy’s website, call 01772 52 4833 or email pae@lthtr.nhs.uk. the patients as educators scheme, or how you could get involved, please visit The Health Academy’s website, call 01772 52 4833 or email pae@lthtr.nhs.uk.
