Physiotherapy students gain 'invaluable experience' seeing clinic's patients under supervision
People seeking treatment in Winchester and the surrounding area can now book sessions with a physiotherapy student who will be supervised by an experienced physiotherapist, while also having an option to see a physiotherapist who is already established in the profession.
The service started yesterday (1 September) and operates from the Winchester Health Clinic, which is based at the city's recently-opened Sport and Leisure Park.
Our new clinic is offering a first-class physiotherapy service to local people, with patients benefiting from the expertise of practitioners at the cutting-edge of teaching and research at the University of Winchester [Sophie Gay]
Sophie Gay, a physiotherapist by background who is head of practice learning at the local university's faculty of health and wellbeing, said: 'As an environment which supports education, our new clinic is offering a first-class physiotherapy service to local people, with patients benefiting from the expertise of practitioners at the cutting-edge of teaching and research at the University of Winchester.'
Students will gain 'invaluable experience'
'In addition, our physiotherapy students will gain invaluable experience of treating patients at the clinic during their practical placements, preparing them for their future careers as qualified practitioners. Clinics will often be run by students, who will always be overseen by a qualified member of staff. Our aim is to make high-quality physiotherapy assessment and treatment accessible to everyone and this is reflected in the low cost of appointments.'
'Natural progression'
Dean of the faculty of health and wellbeing Simon Jobson said: 'The University of Winchester has a growing reputation for teaching and research in health and wellbeing and we are committed to positively influence the health and wellbeing of others so that individuals, communities and organisations can thrive.'
Professor Jobson added: 'The Winchester Health Clinic is the embodiment of that ethos and it is a natural progression for the university to diversify into the provision of physiotherapy treatment.'
The Hampshire university's degree programme is a relative newcomer to the physiotherapy fold, having been set up in 2018. The course curriculum was developed in collaboration with clinical staff from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust. Practical elements of the programme are taught at modern facilities in Winchester High Street.
Bookings for Winchester Health Clinic can be made online at: www.Winchester-Health.co.uk The introductory fee is £40 for a session.
For further information, email: WinchesterHealthClinic@winchester.ac.uk
Author: Ian A McMillan
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