Physiotherapy: Our Placement Experiences

An integral component of the Physiotherapy degree at Winchester is the time you spend on placement. Placements give you the chance to apply your academic knowledge, whilst gaining experience in real world environments.  

We spoke to some of our Physiotherapy students who told us about their experiences this year.  

Student’s have been across the south of England on their placements.  

 

Isle of Wight NHS Trust – Community  

“I felt part of a very friendly team and was able to shadow different members of the MDT including Neurologists, Orthotists, Discharge Co-ordinators, and Nurses.” 

Solent NHS Trust – Neuro Rehab 

“I felt immediately comfortable within the team; that's how you know it’s going to be a good placement. Within the first few weeks, I had 1:1 supervision with all patients. I worked alongside many professionals when treating different patients. I felt like a normal employee and that my time, effort, and opinion/ideas were really appreciated.” 

University Hospital Southampton – Cystic Fibrosis Outpatients 

"I was offered extensive opportunities to learn. If the opportunity was not available on the Cystic Fibrosis ward, the team enabled me to visit other departments throughout the hospital to facilitate my learning and allow me hands on experience. I never felt pressured and always felt supported. All members of the team were happy to go out of their way to ensure I made the most of my time here.” 

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust – Wessex Rehabilitation – Upper Limb 

"I had a good thorough induction with a range of teaching sessions early on to aid my learning and was always provided with thorough feedback in supervision sessions”.

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust – Hand Therapy 

"My practice educators were approachable and welcoming, and I got the opportunity to shadow paediatrics and a scar clinic." 

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust – Leadership 

“My practice educator set up regular catch-ups and supervision multiple times each week to discuss how the placement was going, what I should continue to do and my areas for improvement. I was invited to a variety of different meetings which covered a range of different topics to help me gain a better understanding of how leadership works within Southern Health and the NHS.” 

Winchester Health Clinic – MSK (Musculoskeletal)

“This is overall a brilliant placement, a very welcoming and safe environment to get things not quite right and lots of opportunity to improve hands on skills that I haven't had to do before. I've also had lots of opportunity to improve my research and analysis skills.” 

Foundations Physio – Community/Elderly Care 

"I got a thorough induction at the start of this placement which prepared me well for the 6 weeks. I felt really welcomed into the team; everyone was so friendly and approachable. The service that has been set up is really successful; they have an amazing team and all work so well together. Over the course of the placement, I heard great feedback about the service from patients. They have also been really good with us students; they really took the time to make our placement experience positive.” 

Peartree Practice – MSK First Contact Practice  

“My supervisor was extremely supportive, pushed me to achieve things independently and I was given plenty of opportunities to learn. Members of the multidisciplinary team regularly asked for my thoughts and opinions on situations with patients after the event.” 

Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust – Admissions Avoidance 

"It was a great placement. I've learnt a huge amount and feel like I've progressed a lot. I went to multidisciplinary team handovers and spent time with other teams. I think my contribution was valued.” 

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust – Orthopaedics  

“I have been able to come in to terms with my strengths and weaknesses a lot better than before my placement. I couldn’t have asked for a better team to work with.” 

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust – Surgery  

“My educator specialised in renal, so I spent a lot of time there as well as on surgery. I was welcomed and consistently treated as a member of the team and I felt what I had to say was valued. I thoroughly enjoyed the placement; it was great for my confidence and building my well roundedness.” 

Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust – Community Respiratory  

Placement was amazing. I have learnt so much from my practice educator.” 

 

Learn more about our Physiotherapy degree

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