Innovative partnership gets future doctors from Havering Sixth Form College onto wards of Queen’s Hospital
Havering Sixth Form College students taking part in Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust new volunteering programme. - Credit: Archant
A group of students with dreams of becoming doctors in the future are getting a head start on their ambitions thanks to the Trust which runs Queen’s Hospital.
Barking, Havering, Redbridge and University Hospitals Trust (BHRUT) which runs Queen’s Hospital in Rom Valley Way, has launched a students in volunteering programme.
They are inviting six A-level students from Havering Sixth Form College, who are on a medics enrichment programme, to volunteer on the hospital wards on a weekly basis over a period of six months.
One of the students, Ashleigh Christie, 16, of Chevington Road, Hornchurch said: “It’s amazing to talk to people and find out about them.
“Their days can be lonely as some don’t get many visitors, and I really enjoy being in a medical environment.
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“It’s really helping me with my communication skills, in talking to patients.”
Once the six month placement ends, which is in addition to their college work, the students will be welcome to continue their volunteer role with the Trust.
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Gyrie Aliban Bocais, 17, from Upminster Road South, Rainham added: “I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was a kid and I’ve always wanted to work in neurology or be a paediatrician, however, this experience has broadened what I want to do and I’m even thinking about geriatrics now.”
This is the first in what is planned to be a series of groups of students having the opportunity to get hands-on expeirence in the hospitals.
History buff, Rory Fitzroy, 17, of Junction Road, Romford is using his own love of the past to get some of the elderly patients talking.
“I think bringing in some history books will be a real conversation starter for elderly patients, and we’ll be looking at pictures from different pictures,” said Rory.
“This has been a really good experience, and we’ve had lots of interaction with patients.”
The student volunteering programme will continue to expand and is open to all local schools and colleges.
To find out more call 01708 504 188.
