But changes to the NHS in recent years mean medical students have fewer opportunities to learn directly from hospital patients – as hospital stays are generally shorter and more care is given at home or in community health services.

To fill the gap a scheme called Patients as Educators is giving students the chance to work with trained volunteer patients who teach them how to become more caring and compassionate doctors.

The University of Sheffield's scheme is the only one of its kind in the UK, and has more than 550 patient volunteers from Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster and Chesterfield.

Each volunteer teaches students about their particular medical conditions and gives advice on how to develop a good bedside manner.

In their first year at Medical School pairs of students visit volunteers in their own homes and to learn skills such as how to take a case history and find out, in detail, what it's like to live with common conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

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Students progress to seeing patients in a simulated ward set up in the Northern General Hospital, where they can practise their practical skills, taking blood or checking blood pressure.

Among the dedicated volunteers is Anne Booler who enjoys helping students to see things from a patient's point of view.

Anne, aged 67, who has asthma and diabetes, believes it is important that trainee doctors understand how to speak to patients and treat them as individuals.

"Some students are very familiar, and that can be fine with some people – but a lot of older people want to be called Mr or Mrs and not by their first name, so they cannot assume!" she said.

"A few students avoid eye contact or stand over you when talking and that, too, can be off-putting," said Anne, from Firth Park.

"But you can explain why that's uncomfortable, and it is rewarding as they remember it and it can help them to become good doctors."

She and her husband Bazz, 68, also a volunteer, enjoy seeing students grow in confidence over the years and making progress.

"It gives you a positive outlook knowing you've helped the students," said the mum-of-five.

Former nurse Annette Setterfield, 74, from Woodhouse, has been teaching students about how she manages life with diabetes.

She enjoys challenging assumptions by explaining to them that her condition does not stop her getting on with all aspects life – such as enjoying some chocolate and going on holiday – although she does have to plan ahead to manage her health.

"I thoroughly enjoy being involved and can give an insight into life with diabetes," said Annette.
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