While President Obama was pushing for healthcare reform, a number of American students landed in Bradford to take a look at the UK healthcare system.

As part of their health-related courses at Slippery Rock University, Pennsylvania, 15 students gained valuable experience of the NHS at Bradford District Care Trust.

Sharing their stateside experiences with teams across five of the Trust’s services, the students spent three days interacting with service users, working with staff and learning about mental health in the district.

Michelle Cavelak, first year masters student at Slippery Rock University, said: “I was really interested to see the similarities and differences in relation to back home. It’s so exciting to see the services on offer here.”

Visiting a range of mental health and learning disabilities services across the district, the students got a first-hand look at NHS services and observed differences between the UK and American health systems.

Michelle Fetzer, final year masters student, said: “The mental health services here are phenomenal – the way service managers interact with service users and get involved in activities is really great. It just doesn’t happen in America.”

Lynne Ash, unit manager at Skipton Road Day Services, said: “It was very interesting to hear their views.”

Ensuring the students got the most from their visit, the Care Trust provided a seminar day, in partnership with the University of Bradford. Ms Fetzer added: “We’ve had such a fantastic, educational, inspirational and fun visit to the UK. I’ve learnt so much and I hope to be able to take much of it back home and implement it in my studies and my job.”

Nick Marlborough, education and work experience manager, said: “Having spoken with the lecturers from Slippery Rock it was clear that all 15 of the placements far surpassed their expectations and hopes.”