Virtual collaboration: Health & Social Care Students and the University of Szczecin

Second year Health & Social Care BSc (Hons) and Masters students from BGU took part in a virtual collaboration with Social Work students from the University of Szczecin (Poland). The exchange was via Microsoft Teams and both groups explored a number of health and social care related issues from the perspective of the UK and Poland.

This helped their understanding of the systems in both countries, with student led discussions revealing a divergence between the systems in the two counties. For example, the funding mechanisms and organisational structures related to provision and the distinct differences around referral processes and social care provision.

Students from BGU and Szczecin undertook presentations, namely; Sam Williams (MA in Health and Social Care Leadership, BGU) presented on the relatively new concept of social prescribing in England and how this works in Lincolnshire. Pat Chuchro (BSc (Hons) Health and Social care, BGU) talked about her role in the NHS, having moved to the UK over 13 years ago from Poland. Pat’s insight into both healthcare systems was illuminating and helps support learning both at BGU and Szczecin. Natalia Niciecka (Social Work student, Szczecin) also gave an informative overview of the Polish social cares system.

You can read one of the completed evaluations of the virtual exchange here.

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