A developing role in healthcare
The Physician Assistant role is still relatively new within the UK. Working closely alongside doctors, they take on a wide range of administrative and patient-focused tasks and are always supervised by a senior clinician. Bucks New University runs highly-regarded Physician Associate Master’s degree and approached us to ask whether Michael Sobell House would consider hosting students as part of their training.
We were delighted to say yes. Debbie and Arun joined us for a four-month placement, becoming the first Physician Assistant students to train in a UK hospice.
Learning holistic, compassionate care
Both Debbie and Arun arrived with strong academic backgrounds, each already holding a biomedical-related degree and bringing practical experience with them. What they found at the hospice was something different – a place where holistic care, communication and the needs of the whole person are at the heart of everyday practice.
They spoke warmly about how welcomed they felt, how much they learned from working alongside our clinical teams, and how the placement has shaped their understanding of good, person-centred care.
Making moments possible
During her placement, Debbie supported a patient who was extremely unwell and determined to make one final meaningful trip to Westfield Shopping Centre to buy Christmas presents for his family. With Debbie’s support, that visit became possible.
It was a small moment on the surface, but one filled with love, purpose, and dignity – and an experience Debbie describes as a highlight of her time with us.
These moments reflect why placements like this matter. They build clinical confidence, but they also teach the importance of compassion, and presence.
Looking ahead
We are proud to be the first hospice in the UK to train Physician Assistant students, and we now see this role as a valuable part of the future hospice workforce. Debbie and Arun have brought energy, curiosity and dedication to Michael Sobell House, and we look forward to welcoming more students in the months to come.
At Harlington Hospice, we remain committed to helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals, ensuring that the values of kindness, innovation and personalised care continue to thrive.
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