College News

QE students experience life in healthcare

A group of Year 12 students at QE enjoyed a day at Northumbria University on a “Health Alive” event where they took part in interactive sessions for paramedic training, midwifery and adult nursing.  Working in simulation suites, including a mock-up operating theatre,  students tried their hand at giving anaesthetic and monitoring progress during an operation and post-operatively, including resuscitation techniques.  In the adult nursing session, they looked at fractures, how to treat them and gained some practical skills applying bandages to wounds.  In a virtual reality suite, the students learned about a patient’s journey from collapse in a night-club to delivering emergency care in an ambulance and how teamwork is essential in any branch of healthcare.

Alicia Stewart said “I really enjoyed the adult nursing workshop as it was a very practical-based session that revealed more of the responsibilities of a nurse.  The medical dummies and their features were so lifelike, it was hard not to believe they were an actual person”.

Emma Chapman added “It was a very useful and enjoyable experience.  It allowed me to participate and ask questions about adult nursing and midwifery.  The staff were very helpful and encouraging – it has certainly helped me to decide on the career I wish to follow for the future”.

Liz Bryan, Careers Adviser concluded “This was a really excellent event – it highlighted to students the facilities that are available for modern medical training and gave them the opportunity to practise basic clinical skills”.