In support of Healthcare Science Week, St Helens College hosted a Healthcare Science Skills Show in partnership with St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust.
The Skills Show brought together healthcare professionals, industry experts and over 500 young people from St Helens College, Byrchall High School, Cansfield High School and St Helens College 14-16 Academy, to provide first-hand insight into how science and technology is vital in modern patient care and the unlimited career opportunities available within the Healthcare and Science sector.
Health and wellbeing organisations including St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust, ABL Health, Amputation Inspiration Motivation (AIM), St Helens Council Healthy Living Team, local universities and many more, were on hand with information and interactive activities.
Speaking about the event, Helen Cashman, Health and Social Care Teacher at Cansfield High School, said, “The event was an ideal opportunity for our students to improve their knowledge and understanding of the healthcare industry. Having the opportunity to speak to healthcare professionals has been invaluable and has raised the career aspirations of our students.”
Spotlight guest speaker talks provided an in-depth insight into the ever-growing industry and were presented by leading professionals, including, Cliff Kirby, CEO of innovative, market-leading technology, NeedleSmart and Farah Farzana, a fourth-year medical student who is currently completing her Masters of Research in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine at Manchester University.
Gina Rodgers, Cardio Respiratory Manager at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said, “Healthcare Science Week is a fantastic way to raise awareness of the many different scientific careers available and this event has provided us with an opportunity to inspire and inform the healthcare science workforce of the future. It’s important for young people to know the wide range of opportunities available to them and that it’s not only Doctors and Nurses that work in the NHS – there are many other careers to explore within their local NHS Trust.”
During the event, St Helens College dental nursing apprentices also had the opportunity to demonstrate how to create moulds used by dentists and orthodontists to take impressions whilst Health and Social Care Tutor, Pat Walsh, wowed audiences with live heart dissection demonstrations. University Centre St Helens Exercise, Health and Fitness staff and students, also offered health checks to attendees which included blood sugar and oxygen level tests, VO2 max tests, newly acquired OPTOGAIT technology for Gait Analysis and assessment of postural analysis.
Clare Webster, Head of Health Sciences, Care and Public Services at St Helens College, said, “The event exceeded expectations in terms of volume of activities, skills developed, technologies showcased and the enthusiasm of all those involved. The vibe throughout the event was infectious and the intrigue created by exhibitors and key note speakers was palpable. The students thoroughly enjoyed the event and the discussions post event have been inspiring.”
St Helens College is the first general Further Education College in the Liverpool City Region to achieve the highly acclaimed STEM Assured Accreditation, recognising the delivery of high quality education and training in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). This status is only granted to institutions that provide consistent, high quality STEM-related provision in alignment with industry requirements and are committed to continual innovation to keep pace with rapid advances in technology.
Interested in kick-starting a career in Healthcare Science? Take a look at the wide range of courses available at St Helens College; www.sthelens.ac.uk or alternatively, call 0800 99 66 99.