Student Paramedics Complete Successful Placement at Carterton Home

Five students from the Oxford Brookes university have completed a successful placement at a Carterton home.

All five students are currently studying paramedic science and as part of their qualification are required to do work placements as part of their progression and development.

Chris Botha, Isabel Moore, Lauren Watts, Joseph Ridgway and Marcus Suntharalingam all spent two weeks at MHA The Homestead where they worked with residents and supported staff members in dealing with the needs of the residents.

The students also went out on day trips where they supported staff members, something they all really enjoyed.

The home provides residential and residential dementia care for 68 residents, and it was those living with dementia who the students spent most of their time with.

Speaking after the placement Marcus said: “Starting my care home placement I was incredibly sceptical as I already had a large amount of experience working with older adults, and previous students had told me that the care home placement was one of their worst placements.

However, I feel like I can confidently say that I have massively benefited from my time at The Homestead, I feel significantly more confident communicating with older adults, and this has really reflected on my practice both at work and on my ambulance placements.

Another student Isobel added: “I enjoyed meeting all the residents and learnt amazing things about their lives.

“Doing the placement has helped me to understand so much more about personal care and I would love to come back and spend more time at the home.”

Pawel Wisniowski, home manager said: “As home manager at The Homestead, I am committed to providing a high-quality placement environment for student paramedics that supports learning, professional development, and compassionate care.

“Through close collaboration with our multidisciplinary team, students gain valuable insight into holistic, person-centred care and the vital role of teamwork in achieving the best outcomes for residents.

“By supporting and mentoring student paramedics, we are not only enhancing their clinical understanding but also helping to shape the future of care by promoting strong values, effective communication, and collaborative practice across health and social care settings.”