‘Inspiring’, was how Occupational Therapy students from Hong Kong described a visit to NRS Healthcare in Kent.

The group of 16-degree students from Tung Wah College, enjoyed a tour of operations at both Kent depots on Wednesday 5th July, to learn more about the Integrated Community Equipment Service followed by a discussion around how to set up equipment services.

Jane Miller, Principal OT at Kent County Council, explained about the role of an Occupational Therapist in Social Care and the many different areas OTs cover in their work in England.

The students then engaged in hands-on learning and practise sessions thinking about postural care, looking after pressure areas and how to measure an appropriate specialist chair to meet complicated needs.

The NRS Clinical team were joined by bed and chair specialists Accora to help deliver the sessions, who also donated tape measures and clip boards for the students to record their results.

Jane said:

“We were delighted to host a visit and training sessions for the degree students alongside their lecturers, through our close partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University. We want to thank the Clinical team at NRS for working with us to deliver such a fabulous day for all the students, who were so grateful. I think it was both interesting and inspiring for them.”

Jenny Gummery is the OT in the Kent Clinical team at NRS. She said:

“It was a pleasure to host the students and lecturer from Hong Kong and it was interesting for us to learn of the different way that equipment was provided in their country. The students all engaged fully in the activities which made the day enjoyable for everyone.”

Pat Chung, a Senior Lecturer in the Medicine, Health and Social Care faculty at Canterbury Christ Church University, accompanied staff and students from Tung Wah College.

She said:

“We would like to thank everyone involved for delivering such a wonderful and educational day and workshop for the group. The students really enjoyed their day and were inspired by the talks, informal discussions with staff, visit to the warehouse, workshop and information sent by Accora.”