Work experience students are hospital’s think tank for a week

SIX students from a Harlow school will be finishing this term with a store of first-hand experience of work in a hospital – and top marks for achievement.

The 15 and 16 years-olds are all pioneering pupils from the BMAT STEM Academy. They were at the Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) in Harlow on a week-long work experience placement, when each was set the challenge of devising an improvement project – in just five days.

A method to speed sample testing, an idea to track medical equipment, an incentive to recycle – all ideas that came not from experts but the enthusiastic group of local youngsters.

BMAT STEM Academy, part of the local Burnt Mill Academy Trust, is a state of the art and unique centre that offers a programme of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based curriculum.
“The students showed a capacity and eagerness for problem-solving that was quite remarkable,” said PAHT deputy director of Quality First, Robbie Ayers, who helped a current PAHT apprentice set up the week’s programme.

The students were aligned to different services in the hospital and set the task of reviewing processes and making suggestions that would create efficiencies and service improvements. Robbie said that coming with a young person’s eye and natural curiosity, the students tackled their challenges with real keenness.
The tailored work experience schedule allowed the Year 10 and 11 pupils to develop their experience and understanding of a workplace environment and gain an insight into the many employment opportunities in the NHS.

The students worked alongside department managers from estates and facilities, quality improvement and laboratory services who showed them the daily running of the department. The students applied their learning and education to make evidence based recommendations for improvements to the departments they were assigned to.

The work experience week was organised by Taylor Higgitt, a former 
St. Mark’s Secondary School student and herself an apprentice at the hospital working on a business administration qualification in the quality improvement team. This challenge has helped Taylor to progress significantly in her apprenticeship. She said: “I have learnt a lot from organising this placement event, including how important it is to organise and have things ready in advance, for example having the rooms booked, certificates designed and made and schedules tailored to each specific student.”

Ronnie Witcomb, one of the students, shadowed the clinical team in the laboratories that test patients’ urine and blood samples. He suggested using an automated request system for any add-on samples throughout the day. This will ensure time is used more efficiently. Ronnie said: “I’ve found the work experience week extremely useful; it allowed me to gain an insight into the NHS and improve my communication skills.”

Ruby Ayres, another student, shadowed in the electrical biomedical engineering (EBME) department. The role ensures all medical equipment is in the correct department across the hospital.
One area of service improvement Ruby identified would be a system that tracks medical devices around the hospital. Ruby said: “I hope to become a midwife in the future, so this week has been very interesting for me.

It has given me an insight into how the NHS runs on a daily basis and the endless career opportunities available.”

Robbie added: “These students showed enthusiasm and a very intelligent approach to the tasks they were set. Hopefully they will choose careers in healthcare, and we wish them every success in the future.”