Furness College has launched an exciting new partnership that will open the door for students to get hands-on experience in a hospital.
The college has teamed up with University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust (UHMBT) to start Health and Social Care placements at Furness General Hospital (FGH).
The placements will be open to those studying the Health and Social Care Diploma at the college, which has campuses at Channelside and Rating Lane in Barrow.
Keith Wardle, Head of Area for Health at Furness College, said the scheme begins in October with up to 25 placements available for selected students.
“This innovative partnership means our students will learn the core values and skills needed to prepare them for a successful career in the NHS,” he said.
“They will be able to complete their care certificate while doing their placement, which is a professional qualification undertaken by everyone who works in the health sector. It is a great opportunity and something that has not been available for a long time.”
He said the course was suitable for many roles in the NHS and that placements would be in ward, clinical or care home setting with direct contact with patients.
Students on the a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care will spend three days per week at college and a day per week on placement at the hospital with the remaining time dedicated to independent learning. There will be a formal induction carried out by NHS staff prior to starting in the hospital.
Ruth Keeler, Strategic Lead for the Integrated Care System (ICS) Careers and Engagement for UHMBT, said the Trust was delighted to be introducing its Health and Social Care Placement Programme to Furness General Hospital.
“We have previously run Health and Social Care programmes in Kendal and Lancaster and are happy to be extending this successful and productive initiative to the Barrow and Furness area.
“The programme opens up many exciting opportunities for young people. Our new learners will have the opportunity to gain new skills and potentially go on to study healthcare professions such as nursing, midwifery, social work, physiotherapy and ambulance service roles.
“Becoming a healthcare student will stand the young people in great stead if they decide to pursue a career as a registered professional, nurse or support worker.
“Our previous programmes have been very popular and hugely successful. A number of young people have remained at UHMBT and are now registered and practising clinically.
“The future of UHMBT depends on having a skilled workforce to support the delivery of care. By introducing our programme to young people on the Furness peninsula, we will prepare the next generation to provide the best possible care for patients.
“We would like to welcome the students to FGH and thank the many clinical areas that are hosting them. UHMBT is truly committed to ‘Growing Our Own to Provide Great Care’ for the future.”