Students and staff from the University of Winchester BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme have welcomed Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Sir Freddie Viggers to the physiotherapy suite in Winchester High Street.
Sir Freddie and his wife Jane requested a visit to thank students and staff for the commitment they have shown to their studies and profession during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teaching on the course continued in a COVID-safe way with students undertaking placements in frontline physiotherapy services across the region, to help keep services running and support clinicians and practitioners.
All Winchester physiotherapy students undertake five placements during their studies and cannot complete their degrees or qualify without this practical experience. Students work with NHS Trusts, community NHS Trusts, private providers, charities and social enterprise healthcare organisations.
Sir Freddie, who had a stroke in 2010, is a member of the University's service user group, and helps to inform the way the Physiotherapy course is run from a patient perspective.
Sir Freddie said: "I am here representing the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire who asked me to think of people who have given good service over the last 18 months during the pandemic. I have seen first-hand what the University's Physiotherapy staff and students have done to be successful despite all the challenges and I think it's tremendous."
Katie Castle, co-programme leader of the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy course, said: "We were delighted that Sir Freddie and Jane wanted to visit to meet and thank some of our impressive students. We are very proud of the flexibility, professionalism and commitment our students have shown during the pandemic. They are a credit to the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing and to the University."
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