200 bath towels donated for patients at the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital today in Suva.

Nineteen students from the Fiji National University and the International Women’s Association today donated the towels.

The students are from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences’ (CMNHS’) Year 4 Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.

Student rep Ayesha Dean says the unique initiative was considered as a practical measure that was the least they could do as students to give back to the community.

Deans says they decided on the project after the completion of their assessment blocks at the hospital.

The students spent six weeks attached at St. Giles in which they interacted with patients and practiced their psychiatry clinical skills to complement their theory learning.

Meanwhile, the course coordinator, Dr Sefanaia Qaloewai says the exercise provides a platform for students to become socially aware and responsible with the various needs arising from their health settings or community.

Head of School of Medical Sciences, Dr Odille Chang noted that the college supports such initiatives by the students, serving their communities and fostering social responsibility, making them not only good doctors but good citizens.