Hundreds of volunteers help to educate Yorkshire’s trainee medics

Sheffield University’s medical school has launched the Patients As Educators scheme, which aims to ensure that doctors complete their studies with not only the required medical skills, but “exemplary compassion and care for patients”.

The largest programme of its type in Europe, involving more than 800 volunteer patients, Patients as Educators gives medics the opportunity to carry out simulated ward rounds and then listen to patient feedback.

Professor Nigel Bax, head of the medical school, said yesterday: “The programme is an invaluable transitional step for students to hone their skills in a wide range of clinical situations in a simulated environment.

“It places patients at the centre of learning. Patients contribute to the development and delivery of our undergraduate courses as well as providing feedback directly to students on their performance and behaviours.”

Fourth-year medical student Tom Cash, 22, said the experience gained through the programme was “invaluable”.

He added: “Patients, especially those who have long-term illnesses, are experts in their own conditions so they are very aware of what they need.

“The state-of-the-art simulation wards mean that we can use our new skills and knowledge in a controlled and safe environment, which inevitably helps you to grow in confidence.”