A teenager who suffered an ankle injury while bowling was the scenario put to young students – as NHS staff showcased careers in healthcare from a state-of-the-art training facility in Hartlepool.
The event for pupils from two local secondary schools was held at the health and social care academy at the University Hospital of Hartlepool.
During the event students were taken through the patient’s journey, which included the opportunity to talk to staff from a range of services including emergency care, paediatrics, the operating theatre, pathology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language, radiology, podiatry and support services such as clinical coding.
The interactive sessions involved students from Red House School, All Saints Academy, Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form College, Westlands Academy, Our Lady and St Bede, River Tees Multi Academy Trust, Dyke House and Horizon Trust Middlesbrough.
Emma Davies, education lead, said: “The aim of these events is to really engage with young people around the NHS and showcase the diversity of the career we have to offer.
“This includes how different roles support patient care and raise young peoples’ aspirations by providing an increased awareness of opportunities to further their education beyond secondary school.
“This is the second event of this type we have held since we opened the academy and our ambition is to hold many more in the future.
“This was one of the key reasons why this facility was set up – to ensure we have the next generation of NHS coming through to provide high quality care to our community.”
The students were then taken to a number of activity stations including the emergency department, paediatrics, theatres, radiography, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, speech and language therapy, pathology, blood cultures, 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 and Hartlepool Sixth Form.
Suzanne Coyle-Watson, careers coordinator, said: “These events give the students the opportunity to explore and learn about different careers within the NHS. It is wonderful to see the students enjoying the experience, gaining knowledge and understanding of a variety of careers, through interactive and immersive stations. The students are able to follow the patient journey, gaining an insight into the professions involved within the patients journey. We hope to inspire our future workforce.”
Teresa Pounder, education and training partner, added: “I am incredibly proud that we have been able to give young people a full 360-degree insight into what it’s really like to work for our NHS whilst transporting them through a journey of self-discovery. This would not have been possible without our amazing faculty, whose dedication, passion and commitment continue to inspire the workforce of the future.”
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.
What the schools and colleges said
“My students loved it and came out talking about it. It really made them think about the different services and who is involved.”
Heather Blackburn, Sendco, Red House School.
“Thanks for arranging the day. The students were full of discussion on the bus on the way home which is great to hear. They certainly enjoyed the physio and operating theatre workstations which engaged them. There were lots of question and answers going on which the students warmed to. Overall, it was a great day and we’ll definitely book on to similar things again.”
Steve Wilkinson, careers education leader, Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form College.
“It would like to extend our sincere thanks for hosting our students during the recent career event at your hospital. It was a truly inspiring and educational experience for everyone involved. Our students came away with a deeper understanding of the wide range of careers in the healthcare field, and many shared how impactful it was to hear directly from your passionate and knowledgeable staff. From the guided tour to the Q&A sessions and hands-on demonstrations, every part of the visit was thoughtfully planned and incredibly engaging. We appreciate the time and effort your team dedicated to making the visit both informative and welcoming.”
Jamie Butler, Westlands Academy.
“Our four students thoroughly enjoyed the event.”
Dave Johnson, assistant headteacher, All Saints Academy.