Students get a taste of medicine at Ysbyty Gwynedd

05.04.2023

Around 120 students from Gwynedd and Anglesey considering a career in medicine have received an insight into life working in a busy hospital.

Students from local schools were welcomed by frontline medics and other specialists in a recent ‘Future Doctors’ event at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

The students, all aged between 14 and 16, learned about studying to become a doctor and also visited the hospitals’ simulation suite where medics rehearse techniques in a safe, simulated environment.

The event was organised by the Undergraduate Medical Education Team, Careers Wales, the Seren Network and Bangor University.

Mrs Kimberley Thomas, Undergraduate Medical Education and Clinical Skills Centre, said: “This regular event has not been held since pre-Covid, so we were absolutely thrilled that 120 pupils were able to come into the hospital to experience the talks and practical skills on offer.

“The day kicked off with practical skills stations which allowed the pupils to take patient histories, complete basic life support training (CPR), suture and taking vital signs using manikins.

“Medical students from both Cardiff and Bangor Universities, as well as Bangor University Physician Associate students, were on hand to help facilitate the day, acting as patients for the history taking session as well as answering any questions the pupils had.”

Positive feedback has been received from the students who attended the day along with their teachers.

Neil Worthington, Assistant Headteacher at Ysgol Friars said: “Ysgol Friars were delighted to participate in the Future Doctors event at Ysbyty Gwynedd. It provided an invaluable insight for our learners to understand what skills the NHS, patients and public require from a medical graduate in Medicine. It was a highly enjoyable and fun day which I am certain benefited all who took part'.

Future events are being planned, tailored specifically for individual year groups and targeting younger pupils as it is important to reach them early enough to make the right GCSE choices.