Students Gain Insight into NHS

29 April 2005

Students from West Suffolk College will be gaining an insight into the NHS at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds next week.

Four students who on the BTEC 1st Diploma in Care course will be shadowing members of staff from porters to consultants for two weeks.

Students Vicki Moore, Charlotte Ratchford, Matthew Wynes and Siobhan Gage will get the chance to shadow members of staff on the medical ward G4, in orthopaedics, the pharmacy stores, and the hospital’s fracture clinic. They will also spend time with a porter in theatres and staff working in the children’s outpatient department. Each of the students will also spend a day in the hospital’s A&E department.

The BTEC 1st Diploma in Care is a one-year course that gives an introduction to work in the care sector and a foundation for progression into higher level courses or employment. As part of the course the students have to do a minimum of 200 hours work experience in the care sector.

Chris Fell, the hospital’s Workplace Training Co-ordinator, said: "We are delighted to have the students here at West Suffolk Hospital.

"The students will be highly visible with their special red t-shirts and we hope it will give them a real insight into the work that goes on in a district general hospital."

As well as visiting West Suffolk Hospital, the students will also be doing working placements in care homes, nurseries, and schools.

The college¹s Work Placement Co-ordinator Emma Somers said: "The students are all very enthusiastic and are considering careers in the care sector. For example, one of the students taking part in work placements at the hospital is very keen on training to be an A&E nurse.

"This course really helps people make up their minds about what career they would like to pursue and it shows future employers that they have an understanding of the care sector and an enthusiasm to work in that area."