Hospital shows students science in action

Ipswich Hospital has teamed up with Kesgrave High School to show students how they could turn their classroom science lessons into a career.

Youngsters from the Suffolk high school have been having lessons from NHS staff this week – both in the school science labs and at the hospital.

Nurses and biomedical scientists first visited the school to give interactive lessons which support the curriculum. The year 11 GCSE Applied Science students were taught how to measure a patient’s vital signs (temperature, pulse and respiration rate), the importance of correct hand-washing for infection control in hospitals, how to take blood samples and how to carry out laboratory tests.

The students then came into the hospital and visited Pathology labs and the Radiotherapy department to see how science operates in the hospital.

Jo Burrows, the hospital's work-based learning advisor, said: “It was great to see the enthusiasm of the students. These youngsters could be the NHS staff of the future, and it’s important they understand how science translates to the workplace.”

Science teacher Dr Nick Flores said: "The Life Care module is designed to cover all aspects of health and fitness and it's great for our students to have the opportunity to learn at first hand from experts. It helps them to see the importance and application of science in real life."

The activities were hosted as part of the hospital’s NHS Ambassadors scheme where members of staff go to local schools to inspire and encourage students to consider jobs and careers in the NHS.