The University Hospital of Hartlepool recently welcomed in aspiring healthcare workers as part of a special career event, open to the children and families of local NHS staff.
The event was held at the hospital’s Health and Social Care Academy. It saw 60 children and young people turn up to find out about different careers in the NHS – from emergency care to physiotherapy, and more.
The event mirrored previous career days for local schools, but with one special difference. This event was open exclusively to young family members of staff at University Hospitals Tees.
Attendees were taken through the journey of a fictional patient, ‘Toby’, who had broken his ankle. The roleplay saw them talk to staff from various hospital services to understand how Toby is supported throughout his care.
“A great opportunity and experience”
12-year-old Henry Middleton attended the event with his mum Rachel. His dad, Steven, works as an urgent care practitioner at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
Rachel said: “This event is really great for kids. Henry has been able to meet specialists from different areas and get an idea of what a career in the NHS might look like. The knowledge and expertise that staff shared with the group, as well as the encouragement to engage with the various stations, were brilliant.
“The passion staff showed for their professions was inspiring, especially for an inquisitive young boy. Henry’s favourite area was theatre. He learned so much there, and the team was incredibly patient while he asked many questions. He was so fascinated that he has now set his sights on becoming a surgeon!
“Today’s been a great opportunity and experience. It will hopefully open the way to better opportunities for the kids who came along.”
The event was organised by the team from the hospital group’s career and development hub.
The idea for the event came after saw a growing interest from staff’s loved ones in attending previous events.
Suzanne Coyle-Watson is a careers coordinator at University Hospitals Tees. She said: “We know that our staff have young relatives who have been inspired to follow a career in the NHS.
“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed welcoming them to the academy and supporting them to discover the career opportunities available within the NHS. It’s a pleasure to nurture that interest and to also meet some of the faces who’ll become our future healthcare leaders.”
