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Two Swansea University students have been working to support the emergency services during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Medical student Robert Jones is now a health care assistant working at Morriston Hospital while Samuel Murkin, who is studying for a master’s in mechanical engineering, is helping to share vital messages for Avon and Somerset Police.
Robert, whose family is originally from Carmarthenshire, is based at Morriston Hospital’s children’s emergency unit where he has been able to utilise skills developed during his first year at Swansea University Medical School.
He said: “It has been a very positive and rewarding experience. I had never properly been out on the wards as the pandemic led to our first clinical placement being cancelled so the first few days on the ward were a real learning experience. But the staff have been amazing and couldn’t do more to help.“
Robert added that the best part of the role was seeing the change in children following their treatment. “I have been fortunate enough to be able to care for children and their families at often their most vulnerable times.”
The pair have both been enthusiastic members of the Swansea contingent of the Wales University Royal Naval Unit – Samuel was Senior Midshipman while completing his undergraduate degree this year and Robert is currently an Acting Officer Cadet.
Swansea University’s military education representative Peter Neville said: “The endeavour and hard work of these two student cadets shows the ethos of the Royal Navy: high personal and professional standards, and willingness to serve. Their actions are a credit to themselves, their Swansea University training, and of course the Wales University Royal Naval Unit.”
Robert said: “I joined the unit to see what Royal Navy life was really like and to enjoy the diverse variety of activities and learning opportunities the URNU provides. As a result of positive and enjoyable time I have had with the URNU, I am considering a career in the Royal Navy as a medical officer.”
Like Robert, Samuel said he had been motivated to do something to help during the pandemic and was delighted to become a digital community ambassador for Avon and Somerset Police.
Samuel said: “My role involves passing on vital communication and key messages from the force to my local community, via groups that have been pre-established on social media.
“I am hoping to join the police force in the future, so the experience is very useful for me personally, but I was also eager to do something to help my community and our police at such a difficult time.”