Help please - shadowing/work experience at a GPs in Cheshire/Wirral/Wrexham areas

[hellsbells99]

Hello all. Please can anyone help my DD find some shadowing/work experience at a GPs, health centre, hospital or similar around the above areas? She is finishing her GCSEs on June 12th and looking to get some work experience over the summer. She has written to several GPs surgery outside of our area but has had yet another refusal letter this morning. She tried local surgeries last year but due to confidentiality reasons was told she would be better applying further away. She has done a week at a special needs school and does regular volunteer work. Unfortunately we don't have any friends that are GPs. Any help or advise gratefully received!

[IsabellaRockerfeller]

I think she may struggle to get work experience at a GPs TBH because of the highly confidential nature of the work.

I can't imagine what she could do that would not involve access to patient data, access to patients etc?

[titchy]

TBH A Level students wanting to do medicine struggle to get GP work experience, so doubt a post-GCSE kid could.

Nursing and residential homes should be possible though.

[hellsbells99]

Thanks for your replies.
I know a couple of DDs friends have managed but that is because of family connections.
She wants to study medicine so is trying to build up experience.

[junemami]

Our local hospital does a set week of work experience for sixth formers, organised by the postgrad/undergrad,but ototherwise it is difficult to get work experience in medicine. Gp surgeries vary.

Tbh though universities appreciate this and it's not so much having a clinical/medical placement as demonstrating commitment, care and compassion - this could be through volunteering, working with vulnerable groups (children/elderly/ld) .

Could also try pharmacies, chiropodists, physio, ot to gain awareness of wider services. Any part time work can demonstrat organisatation skills, team working, taking responsibility etc which are also important.

Good luck!

[junemami]

Sorry terrible grammar, I hate typing on my phone!

[hellsbells99]

Thank you!
We just know how hard it is to get into medicine nowadays so she is trying to build up her 'portfolio' whilst she has time off this summer.

[Lorelei12]

Arrowe Park have a course for medical work experience. It wouldn't be applicable to your DD this year, but might be worth remembering if she stays interested:

www.whnt.nhs.uk/staff/news/newsitem.aspx?storyID=5131

www.wuth.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/choose-us/for-work/work-placements/

The Countess of Chester used to offer something similar, but I don't know if that's still running or not.

[hellsbells99]

Thanks Lorelei12!

[BlackandGold]

I know you said she already volunteers but what about voluntary work at her local hospital?
That would show longer term commitment and give her something to write about in her personal statement, although she would have to show what she has learnt from it.