Placement disappointment turned into a positive
An Edinburgh Napier student has turned her disappointment at having her course work placement postponed into a positive by volunteering to help her local community.
Second year BSc (Hons) Veterinary Nursing student Annie Patterson had been scheduled to commence her trimester three placement this month.
However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, plans for the placement have now been postponed until later on in the year.
With her free time as a result, Annie has started volunteering at her local Boots pharmacy in Peebles to help with its Covid-19 response.
She has been volunteering to deliver prescriptions around the town itself and surrounding area, allowing vulnerable people who are shielding and self-isolating to continue to have access to their medicine without having to leave their homes.
For Annie, giving up her time to help others was an absolute no-brainer.
She said: “I’m in my second year of my Vet Nursing course at Edinburgh Napier and really enjoying it so far. It’s challenging but very rewarding. I was really looking forward to my placement as I enjoy the practical side of the course and getting hands-on experience but obviously it couldn’t go ahead just now because of the current situation.
“I was at home and saw that the NHS was recruiting volunteers so I asked my friend who works in Boots in Peebles if they needed any help. They required some help with delivering prescriptions due to an increase in demand and because a lot of people were staying at home.
“I’ve really enjoyed volunteering. It’s been good to be able to help others who can’t get out due to the current situation. I have met some lovely people and the majority are very appreciative and grateful.
“I’m glad I’ve used my time to be able to give something back to the local community.”