NHS staff gave up their time to help inspire the next generation of health staff during a special careers event in Hartlepool.
Young people from across Teesside were invited in to the health and social care academy at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
The event, based in the hospital’s state-of-the-art training suite, showcased some of the many careers in the NHS.
During the day the secondary school pupils were challenged to a scenario involving a 15-year-old girl who injured her ankle during a football match.
The students were then taken to a number of activity stations including the emergency department, paediatrics, theatres, radiography, plaster room, physiotherapy, administration and clinical coding as well as paramedics from the ambulance service.
The event was hosted by University Hospitals Tees with support from Teesside University.
Emma Davies, education lead, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with young people around careers in the NHS and the incredible amount of opportunities out there.
“It was great to see how enthused and excited the groups were with the information and advice our teams shared with them.
“It’s young people like this who we are aiming to inspire to become the next generation of staff with us here at University Hospitals Tees.”
Young people from across the area involved
The schools involved included the River Tees Multi Academy Trust, Stockton Sixth Form and The English Martyrs School.
Susan Willis, registered career development professional at CareerWave, said: “Many thanks for letting me attend the event.
“It was an amazing event and a fabulous learning experience for the students. I found it great to see the NHS careers come to life. Well done to all involved.”
Peter Bulmer, careers and transition lead at River Tees Multi Academy Trust, said: “I wanted to email to say a massive thank you.
“The student feedback was amazing and they all loved the activities, they said all the staff involved in coordinating and delivering the day were super engaging and they learnt so much.
“Please keep us posted about any other events you may be holding because we’d love to attend more.”
The event was also supported by Hartlepool Sixth Form College, Hartlepool College of Further Education, NHS Careers and the North East Ambulance Service.
The academy, run by University Hospitals Tees and opened last year, includes a bespoke simulation training suite, a four bed training bay, an immersive suite which mimics a real life scenario and classrooms.