An award winning local hospital is seeking volunteers to help shape the next generation of doctors, by pretending to be patients!
The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Northfield in one of the largest orthopaedic centres in Europe. With expert staff teams, the hospital aims to deliver the best, most innovative care to patients – not just from the local area, but from around the UK and worldwide.
A new raft of volunteers are now being sought to act as ‘Simulated Patients’ for the hospital’s SIMS Programme – allowing opportunities for medical students to improve their skills in communication and examining patients.
The role
Volunteers are given a simple script and asked to describe their symptoms to trainees, responding to their questions.
SIMS volunteers also need to be willing to be examined, wearing shorts and t-shirt.
After the sessions, SIMS feedback to trainers and trainees will help students improve their skills.
Sessions take place every other Tuesday and every Friday from 10am – 4pm. Hours required may vary and depend on your availability but volunteers are asked to commit to at least half a day every fortnight.
Full training is given and volunteers are fully supported by a team of professional and friendly physiotherapists during the sessions.
The rewards
Volunteering for SIMS has many benefits, the main being the knowledge that you are helping to train future medical staff, supporting the work of the hospital and being a part of its friendly team.
Volunteer Bill said: “My wife had a knee replacement at ROH some years ago, and I saw the wonderful treatment she received and the facilities ROH had to offer, I felt that I should put something back by way of ‘Thank You’.
”The ‘family’ friendship is part of life at ROH, from the top surgeon to the floor cleaner; to be part of that family and give something back to the doctors of the future, is a great honour.”
Refreshments are provided throughout the day, including lunch if you volunteer for over four hours in a session.
Volunteers also receive travel expenses and access to exclusive NHS discount.
Interested?
Visit the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital website for more information and how to apply.
