Volunteer Patient Facility

Health & Science Facilities

Volunteer Patient Facility

Students are provided with volunteer patients on most of our Health and Social Care courses. The volunteer patients contribute to your practical education and training whilst studying here.

Our Volunteer Patients work with a wide range of our schools throughout the university. They help students' to develop communication and diagnostic skills in a safe environment to prepare them for real-life scenarios in their chosen profession. Working with volunteers helps students to gain confidence and competence not only in their interview and communication skills, but also in practical, non-invasive procedures such as the taking of blood pressure and temperature.

By being a volunteer patient you will provide a standardised, consistent, and more realistic learning experience for future healthcare professionals and will play a key role in improving their confidence and competence. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals of all ages, genders and cultural backgrounds to get involved. 

What does being a volunteer involve?

As a volunteer, you would be:

  • Helping with communication and interview skills
  • Helping with non-invasive clinical procedures such as the taking of blood pressure and temperature 
  • Playing the role of a service user or family member.

As a volunteer, you would be helping to educate undergraduate (bachelor's) and postgraduate (master's):

  • Nursing and Midwifery students
  • Paramedic Practice students
  • Physiotherapy students
  • Occupational Therapy students
  • Radiography students
  • Dietetic students
  • Pharmacy students
  • Social Work students
  • Postgraduate students

What are the benefits for volunteers?

As a volunteer:

  • You will have the opportunity to be part of the education of the next generation of healthcare professionals
  • You will be provided with training sessions
  • You will have the opportunity to meet other volunteers and develop new friendships
  • Your travel expenses will be reimbursed (to a maximum of £15)
  • You will be given a free pass, for every time you attend, to use the swimming pool or attend an aqua aerobics, yoga or tai chi class at RGU's Sports Centre

What is expected from a volunteer patient?

Volunteer patients will be expected to:

  • Be an effective communicator
  • Be flexible
  • Be a team player
  • Demonstrate professionalism and maintain confidentiality
  • Be punctual
  • Learn your role and consistently portray it as dictated by the scenario
  • Seek clarification if unsure over any component of your role
  • Set an example and avoid using language displaying behaviour that may be offensive to others
  • Attend future training sessions as required by the role
  • Complete relevant RGU training as required

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