GCSE work experience in the NHS?

[ToastyToes101]

DD is interested in medicine and needs to find work experience for next year (year 11). She would love to do this in the NHS, preferably in a hospital, but I don't know how likely that is. (I think she imagines herself handing scalpels to surgeons 😮)

Has anyone done this/had a child do this, and do you know the procedure for finding somewhere? Is it just a case of calling healthcare providers in the area and hoping they'll take them on?

Thanks!

Do school help with finding the work experience? DS's school found work experience placements for them and one of his friends was placed in a health centre, but I think they found it pretty boring as they couldn't get involved with much. I would have a chat with the school in the first instance.

As an aside, check out the free virtual work experiences available on Springpod. Can be done in own time and they get a certificate that they can add into personal statements etc. And also check out St John Ambulance. They are currently advertising spaces on their virtual NHS cadet groups, and also have in person cadet groups - both St John Ambulance Cadets and NHS cadets that are worth exploring.

Example of one of the virtual NHS cadet programmes currently available
https://nhscadets.sja.org.uk/join-today/role-detail.html?jobid=216600

GO practices offer it

It's tough in year 11.

My DS went to a medical research place as NHS stuff for 16 year olds is very rare.

I mean GP, sorry

My DS did it years ago and it was very useful in that he came away firmly against doing medicine.
I don't think hospitals allow it now ( unless you are the child of a consultant). Same with GPs.

Any kind of caring experience is all that's required for a medical application.
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NHS will not let anyone under 16 do work experience anywhere. Even over 16 it is really difficult to get.
Not even staff can get their own children experience now.
Try a care home but warn her the most she will be doing is handing out tea and biscuits if very lucky.

Agree care home, and get work as a care assistant once 16 it’s a great way to develop communication skills working with vulnerable or unwell (or both) people and give a big head start when on placement etc.

Maybe a pharmacy?

I volunteered years ago with St John Ambulance, who now do dedicated student volunteer placements.

Our local nhs trust offer work experience but you have to apply early January, places are limited so it closes as soon as places are applied for, and you do not get to choose what is offered. Think it is a week long in June/July. Worth checking the website under recruitment. Volunteering might also be available but requires longer term commitment and is usually a support role ie. Greeting patients.

Couldn't get anything for DC as under 18.

That's really useful, thanks everyone. I hadn't considered the St John's Ambulance, but that sounds ideal, as I imagine it's something she could continue volunteering for if she wanted.