Improving access to healthcare through student-led clinics

Our undergraduate pharmacy programme embeds service learning within our curricula, giving students valuable opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings beyond the classroom. Through these experiences, students develop professional skills while making a meaningful contribution to communities across Greater Manchester.

Open to all students and staff, free health screening clinics were run by our third-year pharmacy students across our campus. The clinics provided a quick and accessible way to learn more about personal health while supporting the development of future healthcare professionals.

The health checks involved measuring blood pressure, height and weight, which were then used to calculate heart age using an NHS evidence-based tool and assess diabetes risk through Diabetes UK's Know Your Risk tool.

The students talked participants through their results and answered questions, offering a valuable opportunity for patients to gain health insights, while helping students build essential clinical knowledge and communication skills.

One of the initiative's key strengths was its use of authentic assessment that enabled students to be assessed in real clinical settings rather relying solely on traditional exams or written assignments. As they took health histories and discussed prevention strategies with patients, students were observed by tutors in real time. They provided focused feedback to support students' future clinical practice.

Benefiting patients

The health screening clinics also delivered benefits beyond student learning. Many clinic users reported that they had never previously received a health check, and were able to access important information about their health and potential risk factors.

In the 2025/26 academic year, 317 people have attended our student health screening clinics, with 24 referrals made to community pharmacists for the hypertension finding service, which is for patients with above-normal target blood pressure.

Evaluations were conducted to assess both student learning and the experiences of clinic users, with University ethical approval in place. Clinic users completed questionnaires modelled on established patient satisfaction questionnaires used in practice to assess the views of both the clinic and the students. Feedback revealed the critical role of the clinics in widening access to healthcare, with some users receiving a health check for the first time.

Enhancing student learning

Feedback from students was also overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting how the clinics helped them translate classroom learning into confident, patient-facing practice.

Third-year undergraduate student Muhammad Hanafi reflected that "the health clinic was really helpful in ensuring that you are well-skilled before serving the public members". Similarly, student Zulaikhah Shahzad described the clinics as an "invaluable hands-on experience" that strengthened her clinical skills, judgement and professionalism.

Students also emphasised the impact on confidence. Tomi Olaywiole explained that the experience allowed her to feel "much more comfortable interacting with people I've never met before, which will benefit my future practice".

These student reflections underscore the significance of the practical experience gained through the clinics in developing person-centred care skills, enabling students to identify health risks, adapt conversations to individual needs and communicate sensitive information with greater confidence.

Harsha Parmar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, is a project co-lead alongside Sarah Knighton, Senior Clinical Lecturer in Pharmacy. Harsha explains: "It is really important we embed this learning into the course; we want our graduates to not only be good pharmacists, but to also have that sense of responsibility for the community they live in, and society in general."

Overall, the clinics provided a mutually beneficial experience, supporting student development while offering meaningful health insights to our local community.