Student Review

I enjoyed my placement within East Lancashire Hospital Trust. I was able to spend time and shadow different consultants within different departments. The teaching delivered on wards was very beneficial and tailored to student understandings. Also, being able to move around with foundations doctors and nurses gave us an idea about their day to day jobs and improved our understanding about what they do for patients.

As a student, I felt quite valued especially that I was always given the opportunity to help and learn on placement and carry out certain procedures under supervision which helped build my confidence especially when explaining procedures, gaining consent and general communication with patients on the wards and in clinics

Guidance was almost always given when staff were present. I found it quite challenging to find the right staff for guidance sometimes as we had changing timetables due to staff availability and how occupied the departments were at the time. The best guidance given was during endoscopy and ERCP as we had explanation pre and during the procedures

I would say this is quite dependant on how busy the doctors/nurses were and how many patients they had to see whether on the wards or in clinics. Generally even if we had nothing to do there is always the opportunity to find something to do if we ask the appropriate members

Not much responsibility was given to students other than doing actual procedures which are always supervised anyway. However, there is that within self responsibility feeling of always being aware of what is happening around us if we get asked a question or asked to do a certain procedure or present a history. I personally think the most responsibility was when seeing patients before doctors eventhough doctors will have to see them it was quite challenging to record everything on the notes

The skills learned on placement revolve around my future career. Everything I learned will be put for good and improved upon constantly to be used. Also, the communication skills improved majorly during the placement and that is a skill that cannot be learned from books, but rather with experience which is definitely important in any career.

Generally the atmosphere is busy and learning friendly. It can get quite hectic at times especially during CAOU and certain wards. Staff are always present to help and a point of call is almost always available for our reference. All appropriate equipment/chairs/areas are well maintained for usage

Overall organisation was quite good (dependent on doctors availability). We had the chance to participate in wards rounds, do certain procedures, talk to patients, attend clinics, examine when appropriate and improve our learning experience when compared to only theory based. This clinical attachment was organised well to complement our theortical learning as much as possible

Induction was given on the first day in a new department, staff were introduced, areas to be in and where to keep our things was told to us. In GPs we had a seperate induction as well with training on certain emergency kits if need be, and fire exits. Overall training was sufficient.

I am definitely considering applying to work in East Lancashire Trust. The environment is friendly and supportive. There is always a chance of learning, teaching is provided accordingly. Feedback is almost always taken on board. In terms of personal development, there are always opportunities given for teaching, conferences, presenting and researching.

We are always given the opportunity to speak and improve our communication skills. No questions are counted as stupid questions. Also, we ars allowed to contribute by writing in patients notes when given the opportunity and taught how to do certain procedures as well. I believe asking the student first rather than the doctor in one situation gave us the chance to use our newly taught theoretical knowledge which then stays in mind once utilised.

It depends on where you decide to live really. I decided to live near the station for transport when needed therefore my area was quite costly. Generally the cost of living in Lancashire for single person (not sharing) would be around 500-700 pounds per month to include bills, rent, transport and food.

I would not know much about night life as I am not a fan of going out. There are however a few places and restaurants you could go to around the city centre. Manchester is around 40 min away by car as well which is another destination if you fancy bigger cities

There were several opportunities to be involved outside placements but that is quite dependent on how time is managed and how much work load is given to us to cover per week. If there are assignments or submissions the likelihood is a weekend at home rather than involved in extracurricular activities