Community learning is a really important part of your course, providing you with the opportunity to see how patients are supported by a range of professionals and services outside of the hospital setting. It is through your early community placements that you will have your first contact with patients as medical students, developing your skills in communication and professionalism. You will have the opportunity to meet other health and social care professionals, learn about their roles and gain an insight into importance of multidisciplinary teamwork. In addition, you will visit a range of different organisations in the community, from hospices to special schools and voluntary services, providing you with an insight into the breadth community services available to patients and their families.

One of the improvements outlined in the NHS Long Term Plan was the shifting of more care out of the hospital and into community. It is therefore essential that you develop a good understanding of community care and services so that when you qualify as a doctor, you will be confident in the way effective community health services are organised and delivered.

Jackie Shanley, Theme lead for Community, provides a video introduction to the Theme for you:

You can find out more about community health services at the following links:

NHS England » Community health services

Community Health Services Explained | The King's Fund (kingsfund.org.uk)