Research and Innovation Division staff inspire the next generation of clinical researchers
Members of staff from the Research and Innovation (R&I) Division joined their clinical colleagues at an event to inspire young people about careers in the NHS.
Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s (CMFT) Open Day for Young People took place at the Nowgen Centre on Wednesday 29th June.
The annual event is a chance for CMFT staff to meet young people aged between 11 and 21 from across the North West, who want to find out more about careers in the NHS; ask about health information and have their say on healthcare issues that affect them.
There were opportunities for youngsters to learn more about medical and other NHS careers including pharmacy, nursing, play specialists and physiotherapists; take part in interactive games and quizzes; test a new health advice app in the special ‘Looking After You’ area; find out more about volunteering and work experiences opportunities here at CMFT and talk to Governors about health priorities.
(Clockwise): Emma Harrison and Lucie De Valda from the Children’s CRF with students; Elizabeth from TRUSTECH and visitors at the event
Representatives from the NIHR / Wellcome Trust Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) were there on the day, giving pupils to opportunity to test their balance on a Nintendo Wii.
The use of the Nintendo Wii Balance Board was compared to a specialist piece of equipment called a posturography in the assessment of patients with vertigo, in a study that took place at the CRF, led by Mr Kevin Green and Mr Sean Loughran. CRF staff recorded student’s scores on the Balance Board as part of a competition to win a shopping voucher.
Members of the Clinical Photography and Medical Illustration team were also in attendance. Geraldine Thompson, Operations Manager and Healthcare Scientist, and Harry Heyes, Senior Graphic Designer, hosted a stand to demonstrate photographic techniques and scientific theory behind lens media in medicine.
Elizabeth Muir, Project Co-Ordinator at TRUSTECH, was showcasing some innovations that the NHS has developed or implemented across the North West. TRUSTECH works to help NHS Trusts and Clinical Commissioning Groups to develop, protect and commercialise novel products and services.
She gave students the opportunity to have a go at board game Discuss This! which encourages discussion, openness and communication between patients and mental health workers. Visitors were also keen to find out more about an augmented reality app that quite literally brings leaflets and flyers to life via a phone or tablet.
The Clinical Photography and Medical Illustration stand
Paul Brown, Deputy Director at the CRF, said:
I have attended this event for several years now and it gets bigger and better every year. It is great to see so many young people from all different walks of life come together to find out more about the huge range of career opportunities available to them here at CMFT and with partner organisations, including the CRF.
“Some of them know exactly what field or role they want to go into once they have finished their studies at school or college, and so come along to speak to professionals who can offer advice around work experience, volunteering and career paths, to help the individual succeed. Other students come along just to find out more in general about the variety of prospects we have here and to take part in the fun and engaging activities that colleagues put on throughout the day.”
Find out more about career, volunteer and Supported Traineeships (helping young people with learning disabilities gain skills and paid, permanent employment) opportunities here at CMFT.
