After working in the Clinical Education Team for a year, Specialist Physiotherapist, Hazel Sharp (pictured, second left) realised the importance of making our student nurses feel valued.

So, along with Specialised Frailty Nurse, Dawn Webb, the pair came up with a project for their three third-year acute frailty students could work on over their nine-week placement. It was such a success that all three students - Patrick, Krishna and Nicole - said it was the best placement they had been on, with one saying she would be looking to join the Trust when she qualified. 

Hazel said: “They researched the local area to collect information about the services available that our elderly frail patients can access. They also found transport companies that can pick up and take elderly patients to these activities. Examples were the Salvation Army Day Centre which is free to use and where they spent a day to fully understand the social activities on offer.

“They also included transport and taxis that would specifically be suitable for elderly residents with poor mobility.”

Patrick, Krishna and Nicole presented their project at the end of their placement to the entire Acute Frailty Team which is made up of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, frailty co-ordinators and frailty ACPs.