Four Physiotherapy students from Ulster University are gaining hands-on clinical experience at Lagan Valley Hospital as part of an innovative Student-Led Clinic developed by the South Eastern Trust.

The forward-thinking initiative gives aspiring Physiotherapists real responsibility from day one.

It is designed to expand high-quality placement opportunities while empowering students to take responsibility for patient care, supporting workforce development and deliver high quality care.

The Clinic provides Physiotherapy students with the opportunity to work in a fully functioning clinical environment where they take the lead, under the guidance of experienced Physiotherapy Practice Educators, in assessing, treating and managing their own patient caseloads.

South Eastern Trust Specialist MSK Physiotherapist Kerry Sloan, students Sean Kelly, Jake Tucker, Róise Kerr, South Eastern Trust Physiotherapy Practice Educator, Naomi Graham and student Charlie Whitten. Pic credit: SEHSCT

placeholder image — South Eastern Trust Specialist MSK Physiotherapist Kerry Sloan, students Sean Kelly, Jake Tucker, Róise Kerr, South Eastern Trust Physiotherapy Practice Educator, Naomi Graham and student Charlie Whitten. Pic credit: SEHSCT

Physiotherapy student, Róise Kerr shared how much she was enjoying the experience and said: “It is helping me see what a day as a Physiotherapist will really look like.

"From the start we have had our own caseload, so it has been really good seeing our own patients and how they progress from their initial assessments.

“We are learning so much. When we do not have patients, we have teaching sessions with our Educators and Practitioners who teach us how to condition, assess and carry out treatments. Being part of the clinic is helping me learn so much more.”

Physiotherapy student, Charlie Whitten added: “The independence has helped a lot with my personal learning.

Physiotherapy student Jake Tucker demonstrates strengthening exercises during clinic. Pic credit: SEHSCT

"I am seeing the patients myself and then reviewing with the Educators afterwards, which has allowed me to progress and develop my treatment techniques, my assessments and how I manage and progress patients.

“Working with the other students is a great set-up. If I am stuck, I can go to them and ask questions.

"The placement has been great, it is not so much ‘work shadowing’, you really do feel like a Physiotherapist yourself.”

South Eastern Trust Physiotherapy Practice Educator, Naomi Graham explained how the idea for the Student Led Clinic was developed,

“We were keen to find a novel way to increase student numbers while maintaining the quality of placement,” she said.

"After some research and brainstorming, we developed the concept of the Student-Led Clinic. From the start, we were clear that this would be a clinic where students would grow in independence.

“We have four students who have had their own caseload since their very first week of placement.

"From week one, the students are supported and encouraged, they are working with their patients and creating treatment plans to set smart goals.

“We have Clinical Educators here everyday and they are here to help and support the Student and make the placement specific to them and their learning needs. Our Students also get specialist teaching sessions from our First Contact Physiotherapists to bring in that extra level of knowledge.”

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Naomi added how the Team has received “fantastic feedback” from their students who have described how much more confident they feel.

“Our students have shared that they feel more prepared to go into the workplace and the Clinic really builds up what a day will look like for them,” she added.

“Patients have also shared that they feel valued attending the Student Clinic.

"One patient said that seeing the student and being encouraged during their appointments ‘opened their world again’.

"It is really lovely to hear feedback like that coming through.”