Hospital has surgery lessons sewn up
Students from Stafford College had the chance to try their hand at key-hole surgery techniques and stitching wounds during a visit to the town's hospital.
More than 60 teenagers studying for their BTEC National Diplomas in Health and Social Care spent a day at Stafford Hospital finding out about the careers available in the health service.
They were able to find out about midwifery, nursing, radiography, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, biomedical sciences and medical illustration during the series of talks and demonstrations.
They were then invited to practise stitching or suturing false wounds and even got the chance to try out hi-tech laparoscopic instruments used to carry out key hole surgery. Student Anna Renshaw, age 17, from Stone, said she had really enjoyed the experience.
"I'm really interested in following a career in paediatrics, mental health or occupational therapy when I leave college.
"Trying out all the practical things here has been really interesting and useful, as we have learned more than just sitting in a classroom."
Stafford College lecturer Julie Bateman said the event, which was organised by Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust membership team, had been beneficial for the students. She said: "We have found the whole experience really useful. It has showed the students many of the different careers that are available to them within the health service.
"I think they especially enjoyed the practical aspects and being able to speak to a student midwife, who was able to tell them what studying is really like."
All students who attended the event also joined up as members of the trust.
Deborah Neal, membership manager, said: "The event has been a real success and it is great that the students are now members of the trust as we are especially keen to recruit more young members."
