Local school and college students were given a unique insight into careers within the NHS last week as they followed the journey of a patient through the healthcare system at a hands-on careers event hosted by University Hospitals Tees.
Held at the Health and Social Care Academy at the University Hospital of Hartlepool, the event saw students step into the shoes of healthcare professionals and experience first-hand how different teams work together to deliver patient care.
At the start of the day, students were given an induction and issued with a healthcare passport, which identified the various departments and healthcare professionals they would meet throughout the event.
The interactive session centred around the story of fictional 14-year-old patient Toby, who sustained an ankle injury while bowling. Using the academy’s immersive suite and simulation facilities, students followed Toby’s journey from injury through to recovery, gaining an understanding of the roles involved at every stage of care.
Throughout the day, students followed Toby’s treatment pathway, moving through a series of simulation bays that demonstrated the different stages of care, from initial diagnostic x-ray imaging through to rehabilitation and recovery.
The event also gave students the opportunity to speak directly with a wide range of healthcare professionals and learn about their careers. Representatives included paramedics, paediatric nurses, healthcare assistants, radiographers, plaster technicians, physiotherapists, podiatrists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, phlebotomists, dietitians and administrative staff.
Suzanne Coyle-Watson, careers coordinator, who organised and led the event, said: “The key to successful careers events is making them as engaging and interactive as possible. By giving students a patient scenario, they can see first-hand how our healthcare teams work together to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
“Our Health and Social Care Academy facilities, including the immersive suite and simulation bays, help create exciting, hands-on learning experiences that bring healthcare careers to life.”
Feedback received from the teachers was: “The most practical sessions, such as the physio and OT sessions were some of which the students enjoyed most, although they found the immersive suite quite exciting too. They enjoyed the variety, and could see clear pathways from accident to other services.”
We are holding our next careers event next week
Whether you’re a school or college student, a recent graduate, looking for a career change, or returning to work, this event is the perfect opportunity to explore the wide range of rewarding careers available with University Hospitals Tees.
- Details: Tuesday 27 October 2026
- Time: 5pm to 7:30pm
- Where: The Health and Social Care Academy, University Hospital of Hartlepool, TS24 9AH
There’s no need to book – simply drop-in at a time that suits you. For more information, visit the North Tees and Hartlepool website.