College News

QE Students Scrub Up Well

Inspired A Level students from QE have sampled a range of healthcare careers through a day of interactive and engaging sessions at Teesside University. The sessions, delivered by higher education tutors and healthcare professionals, allowed students to obtain a valuable insight into nursing, midwifery, operating department practice, paramedic science and diagnostic radiography by gaining hands-on experience in each role. The event began with academics providing detailed information about the courses available at Teesside and offering advice on what admissions tutors look for in prospective healthcare professionals. Students then had the opportunity to get to grips with some of the practical skills taught on the courses, delving into the day-to-day life of a healthcare undergraduate.

Lone Kgaogano, who studies A Level Biology, PE and Psychology at QE and who tried out emergency and diagnostic care, comments: ‘I really enjoyed the sessions which were very practical. Learning how to intubate a patient as an operating department practitioner as well as how to prepare instruments for surgery was great. We were also taught about the importance of ‘scrubbing up’ to fight against the spread of surgical infection which gave us an insight into a patient’s journey from the operating theatre to how they are monitored post-operatively by an operating department practitioner. Attending three separate sessions really helped me to decide on which branch of healthcare I would like to work in’.

Isabel Shepherd is a student of A Level Biology, Chemistry and Economics, and aspires to become a diagnostic radiographer. She adds: ‘I enjoyed learning how to set up the x-ray machine in order to take an accurate picture as well as finding out about the different roles you can move into once qualified. It was interesting to see how a radiographer is an essential part of the team during surgery. Working in theatre is something that I am interested in so I found this to be a really helpful day’.

Liz Bryan, Higher Education and Careers Adviser at QE, concludes: ‘This was a very useful event as our students were able to experience simulated practical skills sessions and learn about the wide variety of roles available once qualified. They also received excellent advice on what it takes to work as a healthcare professional’.