Yesterday, we welcomed NHS guest speakers Tom from Dorset County Hospital (DCH) and Katy from Dorset Healthcare to our Moreton campus, where they provided students with valuable insights into NHS careers. They also led a series of hands-on activities focused on advanced first aid and the equipment used in hospital and healthcare settings.
The morning began with an introduction to the diverse roles within the NHS. Tom shared his own career journey, illustrating his progression through various departments to his current role.
The pair brought along a sophisticated mannequin, which the students named Daryl. Using Daryl, they demonstrated how to assess and respond to someone in distress. Students confidently engaged with various pieces of equipment, learning how to assist someone in real-world and emergency scenarios.
Students were introduced to NHS terminology, abbreviations, and acronyms, with examples of how various professionals – not just doctors and nurses – utilise these to communicate. Later in the day, students explored Augmented Reality tools, examining a patient with a punctured lung and the procedure for supporting oxygen intake. They also had the opportunity to interact with advanced training technologies such as Sim Man and an empathy suit.
Another insightful section was learning about a patient’s journey through the hospital, showing that for something as common as a broken leg, a patient may encounter up to 18 different healthcare professionals, each bringing unique skills and expertise. With over 350 different careers available in the NHS, we were all amazed at the vast opportunities for progression and specialisation. Students also took the NHS careers quiz to identify roles that might suit them.
The day allowed everyone to discover not only the careers available within the NHS but also the astounding team efforts involved in healthcare across the county.
Student Sophie shared her thoughts: “I thought it was really interesting and engaging—it helped boost my confidence. I stepped out of my comfort zone to interact with new people, which I wouldn’t normally do, but I really enjoyed it. I now realise I want to work for the NHS!”
We are already planning a visit to the sim lab at DCH, where students will have the opportunity to explore the tools and meet NHS professionals in action.
As previously shared, Dorset County Hospital has recently partnered with EMA to offer supported internships for our students. These internships provide hands-on work experience and skills development in real-world healthcare settings, with dedicated job coaches guiding them along the way. For more information about our supported internships and how to get please do get in touch.
