‘Mini hospital’ gives lesson in bedside manners

26 Mar 2012

Medical students are being given the chance to hone their bedside manners at a new training facility unveiled at Manchester Medical School (MMS).

The Consultation Skills Learning Centre will give first and second year medical students the chance to train in a variety of clinical settings including hospitals and general practice. 

It also features ‘simulated patients’ and patient educators, who tell the students about conditions they may come across in their work.

All of this is aimed at improving consultation skills as students see the impact illness can have on people’s lives and witness good practice of healthcare professionals.

Both students and medical practitioners alike have been inspired by the new Centre. One nurse commented:

“I really appreciated the opportunity to tell my story; it was therapeutic for me, and it was worth the emotional effort, as I was very aware of the impact that it had on the students. It was a privilege.”