A hospital trust covering much of South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire has signed UNISON’s clinical placements pledge, committing to help students make the most of their workplace experience, the union has announced today (Monday).
The Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) is the latest to sign the pledge. The aim is to ensure students receive meaningful and positive on-the-job training.
High-quality clinical placement opportunities are essential for students, as they enhance the knowledge, skills and experience required to become confident and effective healthcare professionals, says UNISON.
As the largest union in the NHS, UNISON represents tens of thousands of students nationally as they embark on their healthcare careers. The union’s ‘Making Clinical Placements Better Action Plan’ is an opportunity for NHS trusts to commit to support students to develop and thrive.
The trust launched its commitment to students at an event in Scunthorpe today, giving staff an opportunity to explain more about how it will help the next generation of health workers.
UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside healthcare student lead Linda Cartwright said: “For the trust to sign this pledge is a hugely significant step.
“It shows a commitment to do everything it can to support those on placement, and demonstrates to students themselves that they’ll be helped and valued.”
UNISON Doncaster District and Bassetlaw branch secretary Sue Statter said: “Students deserve as positive an experience as possible while on placement. It’s the best way to ensure that the healthcare profession is right for them.
“That’s why it’s such encouraging news that RDaSH has signed the UNISON pledge.”
