A bit of controversy at the moment about medical students redeploying in Healthcare Assistant (HCA) roles. Some unfortunate language which I’m sure is regretted. I’m very involved in the @QMULBartsTheLon @QMUL med student redeployment and would like to point a few things out. 1/8
In the first wave (March), med student studies were suspended. Ours had just finished final exams and *volunteered* to join us to support patient care. They did not expect to get paid. They were incredibly professional and made me very proud to be a @QMUL prof. 2/8
In the second wave (January) our students’ studies have NOT been suspended. We (@QMULBartsTheLon) have *sent* them to help. While many would choose this, not all would. Our final years have major exams looming and must also complete educational log books, attend teaching etc. 3/8
This time round, I’m again inspired by the professionalism of @QMULBartsTheLon students. They are the future of medicine and we have much to look forward to. Student leaders @officialblsa (esp Megan Annetts & Matt Robathan) have worked very hard to help us get things right. 4/8
At @NHSBartsHealth @teamaccu, our students do 36 hours a week of ‘education’. Most time is spent in our communication hub making sure families get regular updates on their loved ones. The remaining time is spent in (unpaid) bedside roles alongside our ICU doctors and nurses. 5/8
These are great learning opportunities but the education must be real. Staff arent all aware of students’ duty to learn while they work. Their usual clinical attachments have been changed. Many are missing teaching they were looking forward to. Some worry about career impact. 6/8
After the 36 hours of education, @QMULBartsTheLon students can choose to work paid 12 hour shifts as Healthcare Assistants with @teamaccu @NHSBartsHealth. They must fit exam revision around this very full week. They are great and we are lucky to have them. 7/8
Like many, I worked as a Healthcare Assistant (Auxiliary Nurse as was) before med school and understand points being made. It’s a vital role and hard work. I guess @icsmsu understand this and regret the choice of words. But the situation is more complex than most realise. 8/8
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