NHS careers event brings patient journey to life for Hartlepool students
School and college students have been given a unique insight into NHS careers at a hands-on careers event held in Hartlepool.
The event was held at the Health and Social Care Academy at the University Hospital of Hartlepool and saw students step into the shoes of healthcare professionals and experience first-hand how different teams work together to deliver patient care.
Students were given an induction and issued a healthcare passport which identified the various departments and healthcare professionals they would meet throughout the event.
The interactive session centred around the story of a 14-year-old fictional boy who sustained an ankle injury while bowling.
Using the academy's immersive suite and simulation facilities, students followed the boy’s journey from injury through to recovery, gaining an understanding of the roles involved at every stage of care.
Students were also given the opportunity to speak to range of healthcare professionals and learn about their careers including paramedics, paediatric nurses, healthcare assistants and radiographers.
Careers coordinator Suzanne Coyle-Watson, who organised and led the event, said: "The key to successful careers events is making them as engaging and interactive as possible.
"By giving students a patient scenario, they can see first-hand how our healthcare teams work together to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
"Our Health and Social Care Academy facilities, including the immersive suite and simulation bays, help create exciting, hands-on learning experiences that bring healthcare careers to life."
According to teachers on the day, students enjoyed the event’s practical sessions including physiotherapy and occupational therapy.