The Acute Stroke Therapy Team hosted their first Project Search student placement recently. This was supported by Rehab Assistants, Jayne Bailey and Odette Bartholomew and has been a real success for everyone involved.

Project Search student, Anthony Ludbrook, spent 10 weeks within the Acute Stroke Therapy Team, where he helped support with day-to-day tasks whilst also developing important skills.

Some of his responsibilities included writing up board round notes, answering phone calls and supporting therapy sessions alongside our assistants.

Speaking about his placement, Anthony said: "It was fun, great to get to know people and to see behind the scenes of it all. The team were very friendly and welcoming to me which gave me a big boost in confidence. My top three things have been seeing the patients improving, working with the physio team, and I like writing the patient boards each morning as it made me feel trusted by the team."

Anthony is keeping his options open for his plans for the future, but knows he would like a job which allows him to help and support other people.

Clinical Lead, Michelle Barrow, said: "It has been wonderful having Anthony, and it has taught the whole team how to work differently. Everyone contributed to making the placement a success and learnt so many new ways to communicate with people."

Inpatient Therapy and Discharge Services Manager, Sally Grose, said: "Special recognition must go to Jayne and Odette, who got the opportunity to develop their skills by hosting a student.

"We would encourage other teams to think about how they could contribute to the Project Search placements and the benefits this brings to the team."