Training the next generation of doctors during a national shortage

Revival creates opportunities for aspiring doctors to experience the realities of hospital and the patient’s journey after discharge to prepare them for a career as a doctor.

The British Medical Association recently reported that England has a shortage of doctors. According to their league table, England sits 19th out of a total of 20 countries in the EU for the number of doctors per 1,000 people.

It’s why we're supporting Keele University medical students to receive on-the-job training to prepare them for their careers ahead.

Our close working relationship with the university provided three work placements as part of the student’s qualification this year.

We're able to offer the opportunity as part of our service based at Royal Stoke University Hospital. It helps to support discharge and makes sure people are safe and well once returned home.

The unique opportunity provides an insight into how things work at the bedside as well as in the community too. Showing them how important it is to get things right before discharge to prevent readmission.

This year’s medical students have been on placement since November, completing a total of 21 hours split between hospital and community support. Shadowing support workers to see real-life situations and how they’re dealt with.

This month student Sophie (pictured above) shadowed Home Support Officer Jay while supporting vulnerable people in the community prone to falls to help prevent readmission. Together they completed a home safety assessment and were able to put nine support solutions in place.

Sophie says the placement is helping to prepare her for her career and allows her to see how important support at the bedside and in the community is.

“As a second-year medical student this placement with Revival has been invaluable”, said Sophie.

“It’s a unique opportunity as other universities usually place students with GPs. Instead, I’ve met patients in hospital and then after discharge in their homes too.

“Being able to shadow experienced support staff has given me an understanding of what’s available outside of healthcare.

“It’s also encouraged me to look at the bigger picture rather than focusing solely on treating the medical problem. Looking at someone’s environment, home or financial situation that could be impacting their health and wellbeing.

“I think this kind of support after a stay in hospital is essential. It helps to capture any gaps not addressed at the bedside and enables staff to tailor support to customers’ needs. After all, what works for some might not work for others.

“I’m so grateful to have experienced this, and I know it will help me become a better doctor.”

Head of Support and Wellbeing, Julie Russell says this year’s placements have gone well and play an important role in making sure the next generation of doctors understand the bigger picture of what happens after discharge.

“At Revival, we know just how important it is to get discharge support right, so by showing the next generation of doctors real-life situations we can help them to see the bigger picture.

“It will hopefully allow them to go on and once in place as a doctor, to think about those customers to make sure future patients have everything they need before being sent home.”