Trainee physiotherapists lead the way in innovative learning at University Hospital of Hartlepool
Aspiring physiotherapists have gained hands-on experience as an NHS-led training programme goes from strength to strength.
Students at the University Hospital of Hartlepool’s Student Academy have been running their own clinics for six weeks, assessing patients under the supervision of chartered physiotherapists.
Launched by the hospital’s integrated musculoskeletal (iMSK) physiotherapy team back in August 2024, the programme is now leading its 13th cohort of students.
Senior physiotherapist Harvey Ward said: “As a student, I didn’t typically see many patients one-to-one, and I’m a big believer that you only learn when you start to apply your knowledge.
"You can learn about hips at uni, but you won’t know what osteoarthritis of the hip feels like until you actually feel it yourself.
“Our students undertake several practical sessions with us before seeing patients in their first week on placement.
"The curtains are open and we can wander round, listen in and advise but we’re not over their shoulder.”
Just over a year later in October 2025, the Student Academy was shortlisted for a Creative Provision of Placements award at the NHS England Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) Awards.
Alan Bolton, senior clinical professional for iMSK and rheumatology, said: “Just being nominated for a CAHPO award was something to be really proud of and I think that’s testament to how hard Harvey and the team have worked on this.
“We’re sometimes labelled as that small NHS trust on the side of the A19, but to be nationally recognised is really great.
"We can do great things and this is a really good example of that.”