Students at Walsall Manor Hospital have received a warm Well Wishers welcome after being given special packs on their first day at the organisation.

Walsall Healthcare’s charity bought 300 packs for University of Birmingham and Aston University students who are undertaking their medical training at the Trust as part of their clinical placement.

This idea came about after Hannah Dibble, Deputy Academy Manager for Undergraduate Medical and Education Team (UMET), used some left-over Big Tea packs, which were originally used to celebrate one of the NHS birthdays. She gave these packs to new students as a way of making them feel welcome on their first day with the department.

It proved so popular that she approached the charity to see if there was something similar it could support with for students starting in the new academic year.

The packs include a notebook, pen, tissues, snacks and a welcome card.

Hannah said: “The students have absolutely loved having the packs. They said it makes them feel part of the hospital ‘family’ and that small gestures mean so much to the them.”

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager, added: “We are so happy the students have loved the packs.

“We know how nerve wracking it can be starting anything new and we know these students are also having to learn while looking after and caring for patients. We are very proud to host some of our future medical workforce and want colleagues to know they have our full support.”

Pictured with their packs are students Bethany Jennings, Sophie Wallbank, Emily Reeve and Ashley Matthew.