‘Ageing Well’ event celebrates Patient Partners
On 20 November, the School hosted an ‘Ageing Well’ event for our Patient Partners. These volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing students’ understanding of how certain medical conditions impact patients’ daily lives. By sharing their personal experiences of these diagnoses, Patient Partners offer insights not found in textbooks or lectures.
In recognition of this valuable contribution, Patient Partner Coordinator Charlie Guy organised an afternoon of events aimed at giving back to these volunteers. The idea originated with Patient Partner David Archer, who had been reading up on how to stay healthy as we age and was struck by how helpful this information would be for his fellow volunteers. Charlie agreed: “Our Patient Partners give so much of their time, energy, and wisdom to help our students, so the idea of doing something for them in return felt like a no-brainer!”
Drawing on the wealth of expertise available in both the School and the local community, the day featured a range of talks, stalls, and activities to suit all interests. Following a warm welcome from Phase Two MBChB Programme Director Dr Kathryn Steven, Patient Partners heard talks and visited stalls on topics including mental health, nutrition, menopause management, and internet safety. They were also treated to a poetry reading by local author George White and a musical performance by the Haydays Ukelele Group!
Last but certainly not least, the afternoon closed with reflections from students on the impact of the Patient Partner Programme on their learning.
“It was so inspiring to see how many staff, students, and outside organisations were keen to get involved. The whole thing felt like such a great collaboration – and a real celebration of our patient partners,” said Charlie.
The event was also well received by its audience, who declared it “a marvelous, very informative and educational afternoon” that demonstrated “what wonderful staff are teaching here.”
The School was delighted by the success of the event and appreciates the continued contributions of our Patient Partners. Thank you also to the many staff members, students, and external organisations who made the day possible.*
*Participants (see full programme)
School of Medicine Staff
Robert Allan
Gary Barclay
Karen Clayton
Charlie Guy
School of Medicine Students
Isla Affleck (Third-Year BSc (Hons))
Jemima Korvin (Third-Year BSc (Hons))
Jimin Lim (Third-Year BSc (Hons))
Walada Ramram (Second-Year BSc (Hons))
Sushmhitah Sandanatavan (Third-Year BSc (Hons))
External People & Organisations
George White (Poet)
Greg Munro (Andy’s Man Club)