An Insight into a Placement Experience at St Joseph’s Hospital Physiotherapy Department

Justin Harris, a third-year physiotherapy student from Cardiff University, recently completed a four-week placement at St Joseph’s Hospital, offering a firsthand glimpse into the dynamics of the hospital's physiotherapy department. Currently preparing for his upcoming VIVA exam and dissertation, Justin's time at St Joseph’s provided valuable insights into the field of physiotherapy and the significance of teamwork in healthcare settings.

Justin's experience highlighted the pivotal role of teamwork in ensuring the success of a placement. Throughout his four weeks in the physiotherapy department, Justin observed the professionalism, friendliness, and compassionate nature of the hospital's physiotherapists. He emphasised the supportive and harmonious environment within the team, where individuals genuinely enjoyed collaborating and assisting one another. Justin praised the team's dedication to patient care, noting their exceptional skills in patient interaction and their willingness to share knowledge and provide guidance.

During his placement, Justin had the opportunity to witness five procedures in our theatre over two days and gained exposure to various aspects of patient care, ranging from preadmission assessments to inpatient and outpatient physiotherapy, including hydrotherapy sessions. This diverse experience enabled him to broaden his knowledge and skills while gaining insight into different clinical settings. Justin expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work in such a supportive and friendly environment, where he could witness firsthand the positive impact of teamwork in a fast-paced healthcare setting.

Overall, Justin's placement at St Joseph’s Hospital provided him with valuable learning experiences and a deeper understanding of his future career path in physiotherapy. Through collaboration with the hospital's physiotherapy team and exposure to diverse patient care settings, Justin gained insights that will undoubtedly shape his future practice as a physiotherapist.