Student Doctor Reuben shares a laugh with Wirral locals as he administers the vaccine
Reuben Veysey-Smith is just one of the student doctors supporting the COVID-19 vaccination programme across sites on the Wirral. Currently completing an intercalated master's degree in Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine, he relished the opportunity to get back in a clinical setting.
Reuben was on placement at Arrowe Park Hospital last year when the site became the UK’s first quarantine unit in 30 years. “It was so odd. One day I turned up for work and the place was surrounded by TV camera crews!”
Since then, he has been impressed with the response from the School’s students. “It’s amazing to see how quick everyone is to get involved.
This whole thing really teaches you to adapt, to stay flexible.
It seems like everyone I know is involved in some way in the vaccine programme or whatever, everyone is keen to lend a hand.”
Student doctors participating in the vaccination programme on the Wirral. Photo courtesy of Wirral CCG.
On his shifts over at Woodchurch Leisure Centre, Reuben has been administering the vaccine to the over 80s, people who haven’t been able to leave the house in the past few months, and there is a great sense of optimism.
“It’s a great atmosphere and I like having a laugh and a joke with them. If it’s an elderly couple coming in to get the vaccine together, I'll try and catch them out and ask the wife if she can tell me her husband’s date of birth and vice versa."
The husbands never remember, I've gotten a few of them in the doghouse I'm sure.
Dr Jane Fletcher, Clinical Director at Wallasey Wellbeing, is quick to praise students for their skills and professionalism, “I have been very impressed. The students are motivated, quick to learn and a huge asset to our service.”
Student doctors supporting vaccine rollout
Student doctors from Years 3 to 5 currently have the option of taking on additional hours outside of their normal NHS training hours. The School and NHS partners are working together to ensure they can do so safely and efficiently. If you are a student taking part and would like to share your story, get in touch with mednews@liverpool.ac.uk.