Cambridgeshire students go behind the scenes of the NHS

Two new work experience programmes at Addenbrooke’s Hospital are giving students from Cambridgeshire schools and colleges the chance to experience life in the NHS.

‘Caring in the NHS’, which runs for four days, will teach 14- to 18-year-olds about a range of roles that include nursing, midwifery, and operating theatre work. Participants will also have the chance to hear about a typical day for a student nurse, and to try their hands at practical activities like measuring blood pressure and resuscitation. This programme has been organised by the hospital in association with Anglia Ruskin University.

At the same time, a second programme offers medical work experience for 16- to 18-year-olds who are interested in studying medicine. This programme has been organised in association with Cambridge University and the Clinical Skills Unit, and will offer the opportunity to try simulated medical activities and to shadow doctors at work.

Laura Banks, the programme organiser, said: “We want to demonstrate just how rewarding a career in the NHS can be – but age restrictions mean that it’s difficult to arrange work experience visits to hospitals for young people. That makes it difficult for them to get a proper idea of what goes on until after they’ve chosen courses or left school.

“We want to show these students what we have to offer and give them the knowledge they need to make an informed choice about their future.”

Schools and colleges have nominated students to take up places on the programmes based on their interests and overall performance at school. Anyone at school in Cambridgeshire who is interested in finding out about future activities should speak to their teachers.

Back to top