A Cumbrian campus is training the next generation of physician associates.
Physician associates support doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients, and the UCLan Westlakes Campus, near Whitehaven, has trained 35 students in the last five years.
The latest batch of graduates are now employed by trusts in the region, including North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC).
At West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven, two are currently working in the emergency assessment unit, two in Ward 2, which housed the COVID patients during the spikes, and one in Ward 4, which houses frail and long-term patients.
One graduate is doing a preceptorship that involves clinical time in both GP practice and the hospital setting, while others are in GP practices in Penrith and Workington.
Dr Tim Smith, consultant in ICU and anaesthetics and associate director of medical education at NCIC, said: “We’re delighted to welcome this group of student physician associates into the trust and we have already seen such positive results from our partnership with UCLan, working together to improve healthcare in our region.”
Prof Cathy Jackson, executive dean of the faculty of clinical and biomedical sciences, added: “The literature has always suggested that students who train in these areas enjoy the experience and look to stay for employment in the area.
“We are delighted that this is being demonstrated so soon with our own graduates and that they are already making such a very positive contribution to the workforce of the area and to the health of the communities in Cumbria.”
Student Laura Singleton said: “It’s great to be on placement locally yet see such a variety of patients at Workington primary care centre.
“Being local makes travelling times manageable and the staff have been very welcoming, approachable, and supportive.
“It has been the perfect introduction to a clinical environment for my first placement.”
