Work Experience Directory For The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust An NHS organisation that is striving continuously to improve patient experience and outcomes Chairman: Jeremy Vanes Chief Executive: David Loughton V3 2015
Acute Medical Unit (AMU) Observe medical staff on daily ward rounds to develop an understanding of the role of the hospital medical team. Gain knowledge of how medical staff use clinical skills, blood tests, imaging etc. to reach a clinical diagnosis. Witness the interaction between different medical teams and allied health professionals whilst they develop personalised management plans for unwell adults. Have the opportunity to meet and communicate with junior doctors / medical students to gain further insight. Must be a sixth form student (16-18 years) or currently going through the medical school application process. The experience will vary depending upon clinical material available for observation / discussion. Immunisation restrictions apply (BCG/MMR required) Duration up to 1 week Cardiac Investigations Observe the Assistant Technical Officers (ATO s) and Cardiac Physiologists perform a variety of non-invasive cardiac investigations. Procedures include, resting ECG, exercise tests, echocardiograms and pacemaker follow up checks. In some instances it may be possible to observe more invasive procedures in the catheter lab for example coronary angiography. Observe daily life in a busy, cardiac tertiary centre treating both inpatients and outpatients. Witness team and multidisciplinary working in action. Aged 16 + Observation of invasive procedures only possible for those aged 18 +. Experience suitable for those interested in a patient based role in the NHS. Would be of particular interest to those interested in pursuing a Clinical science/clinical Physiology career. Useful link - NHS Careers website Healthcare Scientist. Duration up to 1 week. Cardiothoracic Ward Observe nursing staff deliver safe and effective care to patients who are waiting for or have undergone cardiac or thoracic surgery. Observe the admission and discharge process. Observe care of patients with chest drains, cardiac monitoring, cardiac pacing, invasive lines, and wound care including topical negative pressure dressing. Observe administration of medication. Observe how a multi- disciplinary team works in the ward environment. Aged 17 + Must have a keen interest in nursing as a career and an understanding of what the role entails. Duration 1 week
Cardiac Catheter Suite Observe patient having a coronary angiogram, elective and primary angioplasty with stent, regular and biventricular pacing or implantable cardiac defibrillator, electrophysiology studies+/- ablation. Observe patient pre & post procedure. Meet the team to discuss the variety of roles within the Cardiac Catheter Team (Physiologist, Radiographer, Nurses & Cardiac Consultant). Aged 18 + (due to radiation policy). Must have a keen interest in the specialist cardiac area as a career. Duration 1 week Chronic Pain Management Service Observe a Doctor / Nurse or other clinician during a Pain Clinic in the Out Patient department or during a treatment session where interventions such as x-ray or ultrasound guided injections are performed or treatments such as a TENS machine (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) are applied. Chronic pain is a long term painful condition that has not responded to conventional treatments or simple pain killers e.g. long standing back pain, nerve related (neuropathic) pain. The pain symptoms have a profound effect on the patient s physical, social and psychological wellbeing and so a BIO- PSYCHO-SOCIAL model is applied to manage these symptoms. Aged 18+ If you were invited to observe an X-Ray guided injection session, you would be required to wear special personal protective equipment and may need additional permission from the Radiology department. Must be interested in a career as a doctor, nurse or any other clinical speciality. It is helpful to learn about pain management as pain is a symptom that causes patients to seek medical help. To be able to diagnose and manage pain is a vital skill for anyone in medical profession. Duration up to 1 week Special Care Dental Nursing Community Health Centres Observe the dental team treating patients in a community setting or in a mobile dental unit. Special Care Dentistry relates specifically to treating patients who may be compromised in some way, this can include but is not limited to, learning disabilities, complex medical conditions, and the elderly infirm. Have the opportunity to meet the team and discuss their roles, training and how to progress in this field. Aged 18+ Must have a keen interest in dentistry and in supporting special care patients. Duration 2 days
Education & Training & HealthTec Observe the day to day business of Education and Training. Have the opportunity to meet the various members of the team and discuss their roles and responsibilities. Observe the following teams; Training Database Team, Work Experience Team and Training Administrators. Aged 16 + Interested in Reception / Administration work within the NHS. Duration 1 week Finance Observe the different sections within Finance including Financial Management and Financial Accounts to gain a better understanding of the tasks carried out in each section. Meet the finance team to discuss the variety of roles available within Finance. Age 16 years + Must have a keen interest in finance as a career. Duration 1 week Foot Health Services (Podiatry) Landport Road & New Cross Hospital Observe Podiatrists and support staff in a range of clinical situations including treating Biomechanics patients and preoperative surgery patients, nail surgery patients and caring for high risk diabetic patients, including home visits. Discuss the teams roles, and career progression into specialist fields such as Diabetes, Rheumatology, Biomechanics and Surgery. Aged 16 years + Must have an interest in NHS work and the roles and remit that podiatry undertakes both in the community and acute setting. Duration up to 1 week Fracture & Orthopaedic Clinic Observe the medical staff in clinics. Observe the plaster technicians in the plaster room and discuss their role within the department. Observe the Nursing staff in the wound care clinics. Age 16 + Must have an interest in a career in the Medical profession. Duration 1 week
Genitourinary Medicine (GU Medicine) Observe reception and secretarial staff. Observe filing notes after clinic. Observe filing path lab forms. Observe the use of paperless medical records and learn about exemptions to this. Aged 18+ Interested in Reception /Secretarial work. Duration up to 1 week Head and Neck Outpatients (ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat), Maxillo-facial and Orthodontics) Meet members of the multi-disciplinary team which will include consultants, nurses, clinical nurse specialists, dental nurses, audiologists, speech therapists, dieticians, and oncologists. Observe various clinics in the speciality of ENT, Maxillo-facial and orthodontics. Aged 16+ (aged 17+ to observe certain procedures) Should have a keen interest in a career in the NHS. Duration 1 week Hearing Services West Park Hospital Observe the different roles within the Audiology Department. Work shadow an audiologist, observing how hearing is assessed, and taking of aural impressions, fitting, reviewing and repairing of hearing aids for adults of all ages. Observe administration procedures that ensure the department runs smoothly. Aged 16 + Must have a keen interest in Audiology as a career and an understanding of what the role entails. Duration 1 week Library Services Observe various aspects of health library work including loaning material, observing call handling and searching for information using specialist online systems. Observe library staff in various duties including teaching sessions, promotion and marketing of the service. Aged 16+ Must have an interest in using and searching for information. Duration 1 week
Maternity Observe midwifery and support staff performing their roles and duties. Interact with other midwifery students and other learners in each of the clinical areas. Observation may take place in these areas; Antenatal clinic & fetal medicine Antenatal & Postnatal ward Admissions Delivery Suite Maternity Triage Participants may also spend time observing the work of medical staff and may be invited to observe a baby clinic or join an education session. The midwifery work experience programme aims to provide an understanding of the public health role of the midwife and the impact of that role on the health of the individual woman and her family. Aged 16+ Must be interested in midwifery as a career. Immunisation restrictions apply (MMR/Chicken Pox required) Placements from March October inclusive. Duration 1 week Medical Illustration - Administration Will include observation of the following administrative duties: Dealing with emails Call handling Producing ID cards Producing passport photographs Booking in clinical and non-clinical work Taking briefs from customers for the design team. Aged 16+ Participants should have a keen interest in administrative duties. Duration 1 week Medical Illustration - Clinical Photography Observe the clinical photographers around the hospital taking clinical photographs of patients on the wards and in the Medical Illustration photographic studio. Observe non-clinical PR photography on the wards and in the photographic studio. Meet the photography team and learn about the role of the clinical photographer within the NHS. Participants need to be 18+ to observe any clinical photography. Participants 16-18 will be restricted to non-clinical photography only. Duration 1 week
Medical Illustration - Graphic Design Observe the work processes and procedures for the production of non-clinical reprographic materials for the trust. This includes: The production of patient information leaflets Large format posters Design for websites and e-learning production Introduction to the Adobe Creative Suite software Aged 16+ Participants must have a keen interest in art and design as a career choice. Duration 1 week Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering Observe a Clinical Technologist who is responsible for managing medical devices in all areas of the hospital and external sites. Clinical areas supported include Radiotherapy, Renal, Cardiothoracic, and Medical/Surgical Wards. Observe medical device training of clinical staff. Observe Health & Safety in a workshop environment setting. Learn about risks associated with these areas including COSHH, PPE, Gas safety and manual handling. Learn about the various types of medical devices that a Clinical Technologist maintains. Learn about the importance of medical device decontamination. Aged 16 + Must have a keen interest in a technical career ideally electronics/electrical/ mechanical/physics. Immunisation restrictions apply (MMR/BCG required) Duration 1 week
Medical Placements, Cannock Chase Hospital & West Park Hospital This placement is observation only. Experiences within different disciplines are available. e.g. Cardiology, Care of the Elderly, Maxillofacial, Orthopaedic, Rheumatology, Surgical etc. Must be a sixth form student (16-18 years) or currently going through the medical school application process. The experience will vary depending upon clinical material available for observation / discussion. Immunisation restrictions apply (Oncology, Paediatrics, AMU and ED require MMR) (AMU, ED, Respiratory require BCG) More information will be provided on offer of work experience. Duration up to 1 week Nucleus Theatres Observe Nurses, Operating Department Practitioners and Theatre Support Assistants in different Theatre Specialities (e.g. General, Orthopaedic, Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)) and the three areas of anaesthetics, surgery, and recovery. Discuss with the team the different roles and opportunities within the Theatre Department. Strictly aged 18+ Must have a keen interest and understanding of the role, and understand that it is very much a hands on and practical role, albeit with an academic basis. Duration up to 1 week Nursing - General, Cannock Chase Hospital & West Park Hospital This placement is observation only. Experiences within different disciplines are available e.g. Care of the Elderly, Dementia, and Stroke etc. Aged 16 + Must be intending to train as a nurse. More information provided on offer of work experience. Immunisation restrictions apply (Respiratory Wards require BCG) Duration up to 1 week Nursing - Ward A14 General Surgery (Male ) Observe care of patients admitted for colorectal, urology, upper gastrointestinal, breast and vascular surgery, either planned or as emergency admissions. Potential visit to theatres to observe- dependant on age. Observe Clinical Nurse Specialists. Observe physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Aged 16+ Must have an interest into medical / surgical aspects of care for patients. Must have an interest in the fields of surgery associated with A14. Be aware of potential odours associated with a colorectal ward. Duration 1 week
Nursing - Ward C25 Diabetes The participant will have an opportunity to observe the care of patients with different types of diabetic conditions and diabetes related complications. The participant will have an opportunity to learn about and observe complex nursing processes in a very busy and challenging but conducive environment. The participant will have opportunity to learn about acute medical conditions and their management and about very complex discharge processes. The participant will have an opportunity to learn and observe the management of acutely ill patients and how patients and families concerns are dealt with on a day to day basis. Aged 16+ Keen to learn. Able to observe in a highly demanding environment. Interest in Diabetes. Duration 1 week Nursing - Ward C41 Gastroenterology Observe trained and untrained members of the nursing team whilst they are assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating care needs for patients. Observe nursing staff planning safe timely discharges for patients. Observe how the multi-disciplinary team works together. Observe how patients are assisted with their dietary, hygiene and toilet needs. Learn about and observe good Infection Prevention practices and good housekeeping. Attend in-house training regarding Gastroenterology related topics if appropriate and available. Observe staff hand-overs and ward rounds. Observe the therapeutic communication with patients and relatives by the multidisciplinary Team. Observe high quality record keeping. Aged 16 + Must have an interest in a career in nursing or wish to become a Health Care Assistant. Duration 1 week
Obstetrics & Gynaecology (D7) Observe a variety of elective and emergency Gynaecology procedures on D7, the assessment unit and in the Outpatients department. Observe pre and post-operative care. Have an observational theatre visit at the senior nurse s discretion. Have an EPAU visit. Observe patient care. Observe good discharge procedures/ planning. D7 is a busy 26 bedded ward; the complexity of patient care varies. The ward runs as two teams, green have the oncology patients and red have uro- gynaecology patients, plus acute gynaecology problems go on either side. The ward is challenging and offers a good learning environment; staff will try and accommodate your needs as much as possible. We only accept participants aged 18+ with an interest in obstetrics and gynaecology. Immunisation restrictions apply (require MMR) Duration 1 week Occupational Health & Wellbeing Centre Meet the team to discuss the variety of roles within the occupational health and wellbeing centre. Gain an understanding of the role of the department and impact the service has on the Trust. Observe various administrative tasks such as photocopying, faxing etc. Observe all reception duties. Aged 16+ Must have a genuine interest in administrative roles. Must recognise this as an opportunity for an introduction to work within the health service. Duration 1 week Occupational Therapy Children s Gem Centre Observe the Occupational Therapists during assessments and treatment at the Gem centre. Observe the Occupational Therapists during hospital or clinic appointments if appropriate. Meet the team informally to discuss areas of interest, further training etc. Aged 16 + Must have a keen interest in occupational therapy as a potential career and some understanding of the role. Must be keen to work with children. Must be aware that they are in an observational role. Duration 4 days (Mon-Thurs)
Occupational Therapy Observe the Occupational Therapist working in various areas of the hospital (e.g. Medicine, Orthopaedics). Meet the team to discuss the variety of roles within Occupational Therapy. Aged 16 + Must have an interest in Occupational Therapy as a career/ applying for a place at University to undertake their degree in Occupational Therapy and an understanding of what the role entails. Immunisation restrictions apply (MMR required) Duration 1 day Orthoptics Observe Orthoptists undertaking patient assessments of new and follow-up adults & children in an Orthoptics clinic. Observe multidisciplinary clinics involving Orthoptists, Optometrist & Ophthalmologists. Observe ophthalmic technicians undertaking visual field assessments. Aged 16 + Must have a keen interest in Orthoptics as a career and an understanding of what the role entails, especially how it differs from other careers in ophthalmology e.g. optometrist, ophthalmologist, ophthalmic technician. Duration 1 week Pathology Spend 1 day observing in each of the Pathology disciplines: Clinical Chemistry Cytology Haematology Microbiology Histology The participant will have the opportunity to observe the work of Biomedical Scientists and develop an understanding of the diagnostic tests that are carried out in Pathology. Aged 16 + Interest in Science. Interest in Healthcare. Duration 1 week.
Physiotherapy Observe a Physiotherapist in various areas of the hospital to see how their work varies. (e.g. Out Patients, General Rehabilitation, Orthopaedics, Respiratory) Meet the team to discuss the variety of roles within Physiotherapy. Aged 16+ Must have a keen interest in Physiotherapy as a career/applying for a place at University to undertake a degree in Physiotherapy and an understanding of what the role entails. Immunisation restrictions apply (MMR required) Duration 1 day Radiography (Diagnostic) Observe Diagnostic radiographers in clinical practice obtaining diagnostic images, utilising a variety of imaging modalities, in all areas of the hospital. Meet with members of the radiography team within the Emergency Department X-ray, main X-ray, CT/MRI, Theatres and mobile radiography. Due to the use of ionising Radiation, work experience participants ideally must be aged 18+ to allow access into controlled x-ray areas. Work experience participants should demonstrate an interest in radiography and have an understanding of what the role entails. Immunisation restrictions apply (MMR/BCG required) Duration 2 days Radiotherapy Department, Deanesly Centre Observe scanning and treatment preparation in radiotherapy CT, and delivery of radiotherapy treatment using linear accelerators, by radiographers within the department. Gain awareness of the supportive care required and other processes involved in care of cancer patients. Observe the preparation of the scanning and treatment areas, including infection prevention measures. Discuss career opportunities and technical developments with staff. Meet current students to discuss aspects of training. Aged 18+ due to local use of medical radiation. Must be able to describe in simple terms what radiotherapy is used for. Must dress appropriately for work experience i.e. office-wear not jeans or trainers, and comfortable, safe shoes. Discreet make up and jewellery is permitted. We do not allow mobile phones to be used within the radiotherapy area. Immunisation restrictions apply (MMR required) Duration 2 days
Neurological Rehab Ward West Park Hospital Respiratory & Sleep Physiology Observe staff working on the Neurological Rehabilitation Ward and Multidisciplinary team work. May have an opportunity to attend case conferences and ward rounds. May have an opportunity to observe Allied Health Professionals. May have an opportunity to observe a Doctor in the Out Patient Department. Observe Respiratory Physiologists during daily clinics within the Respiratory centre. Observation of the various diagnostic tests and specialist clinics which are supported by the Respiratory Physiology team. Observe Clinics including Sleep and Ventilation, Oxygen Therapy, Exercise testing, Lung Function testing, Allergy tests and Respiratory Muscle assessment. Observe various member s of the multi-disciplinary team (possibly Respiratory Nurses, Doctors/Consultants) in clinics. Possibly visit wards and other areas of the hospital. Aged 16 + Must have an interest in either the nursing or medical fields. Duration 3 days Aged 16+ Considering a career in Clinical Physiology (Respiratory and Sleep) via the Modernising Scientific Careers (MSC) PTP program, or foundation level band 3 or 4 (assistant) level. Must observe patient dignity, specifically when in contact with the sick and vulnerable. Immunisation restrictions apply (BCG required) Duration up to 1 week School Nursing Gem Centre Observe school nurses within a team performing a variety of their work in the community i.e. schools, clinics etc. Have the opportunity to discuss with team members areas of specialism and team structures around the City. Aged 16 + Must have a keen interest in nursing as a career path and some level of understanding of what the role of a school nurse entails. Duration up to 1 week
Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) Gem Centre Observe Speech & Language Therapists in a number of settings, including: Schools Community Clinics Outpatient Clinics Hospital Wards Children and/or Adults Assessment and Therapy Aged 16 + Must be considering applying for a Speech & Language Therapy degree course. Must have attended the In-house DVD / discussion session.
Work Experience Opportunities within Cannock Chase Hospital Department Name: During the placement, learners will: Other information: Dermatology Day Unit Cannock Chase Hospital Observe the use of Ultraviolet Light B (UVB) Phototherapy treatment for a variety of conditions. Observe the use of Psoralen and Ultraviolet Light A (PUVA) phototherapy for a variety of conditions. Observe Patch testing from preparing to application to results. Observe Iontophoresis treatment for Hands, feet & axilla. Observe the use of Topical treatments i.e. cream and scalp treatments. Observe the Out Patient Department in action. Observe a minor operations list/theatre (biopsies & excisions). Learn about Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). Aged 16+ (Aged 18+ to enter Theatre) Duration 1 week (Consisting of 4 days in the Dermatology Day Unit( Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri) and 1 day in the Out Patient Department (Thurs) Elective Orthopaedic Unit Cannock Chase Hospital (Hilton Main, Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Lea Hall) Observe the admission and care of patients requiring elective Orthopaedic care. Observe the patient discharge process (making discharge arrangements, referring for social care, arranging discharge drugs, giving of information). Observe the Physiotherapist mobilising patients. Observe the Occupational Therapist teaching such skills as bed transfers to ensure the patient s own home is safe for discharge. Observe the following day to day care: - Drug rounds - Completing patient observations, blood pressures etc. - Safe manual handling - Nutrition meals & fluid balance - Wound Care - Administration of medications oral & intravenous - Airway management - Tissue viability - assessment and care - Patient information pre-admission, Hip & Knee Club (Monday pm) Age 16+ Duration 1 week
Department Name: During the placement, learners will: Other information: Endoscopy Cannock Chase Hospital To observe the daily routine of: - Communicating with patients. - The admission process for patients. - Gastroscopy procedures. - Discharge procedures and advice given to patients. - Interaction with the multi-disciplinary team including an opportunity to talk with medical staff/nurse practitioners to gain further insight into their roles. - How conscious sedation is administered. - Post procedure care. - Decontamination of scopes. - Pre-Assessment of patients. Aged 16+ Duration 1 week Students must have a keen interest in Nursing/Healthcare as a career choice. Students must wear smart dress and sensible footwear. Students will be supervised and visualised by a member of staff at all times during the work experience. Fairoak Ward Cannock Chase Hospital (Stroke and Elderly Care Rehabilitation) Observe trained and untrained members of the nursing team whilst they are assessing, planning, delivering and evaluating the care needs of the patients. Observe the discharge liaison worker coordinating the safe and timely discharge of patients. Observe how patients are assisted with dietary, hygiene and toilet needs. Learn about and observe good infection prevention practices. Observe staff handovers and the daily board meeting. Attend the weekly Multidisciplinary Team meeting. Observe physiotherapists and occupational therapists setting rehabilitation goals with patients. Observe ward rounds. Aged 16+ Keen to learn Must have an interest in nursing or a healthcare assistant career Duration 1 week
Department Name: During the placement, learners will: Other information: Occupational Therapy Cannock Chase Hospital Observe the Occupational Therapist working in various areas of Cannock Chase Hospital. E.g. Neuro, Elderly Care, Rheumatology and Hands. Meet the team members to discuss the variety of roles within Occupational Therapy. Aged 16+ Duration 1 day Must have an interest in Occupational Therapy as a career/applying for a place at University to undertake their degree in Occupational Therapy. Must have an understanding of what the Occupational Therapist role entails. Immunisation restrictions apply (MMR required). Outpatients Cannock Chase Hospital Observe medical staff in clinics. Observe a wide variety of specialities within the Outpatient setting e.g. - Ante-Natal - Cardiology - ENT - Gynaecology - Oncology - Orthopaedic - Paediatrics Observe the various roles of the Multi-Disciplinary Team. Observe Audiology/Lung Function/Cardiology Procedures. Age 16+ Must have an interest in a career in Nursing or Health Care Assistant. Duration 1 week
Department Name: During the placement, learners will: Other information: Pharmacy Cannock Chase Hospital Observe the day to day running of the Pharmacy department. Meet members of the Pharmacy team to discuss their role and understand their responsibilities. Shadow the work of Stores and Dispensary staff which will include dispensing of medicines to wards and departments and topping up on appropriate wards. Pharmacy students may be allowed to shadow pharmacists whilst working at ward level dependent on experience. Aged 16+ Duration 2 days Must have a keen interest in Pharmacy as a career. Must be studying Science at A level or a degree in Pharmacy. Maximum of one student at any one time. Physiotherapy Cannock Chase Hospital Observe a Physiotherapist in various areas of Cannock Chase Hospital to see how their work varies e.g. Outpatients, Neuro, Elderly Care, Orthopaedics and Rheumatology. Meet the team to discuss the variety of roles within Physiotherapy. Aged 16+ Duration 1 Day Must have a keen interest in Physiotherapy as a career/applying for a place at University to undertake a degree in Physiotherapy. Must have an understanding of what the Physiotherapy role entails. Immunisation restrictions apply (MMR required). Theatres Cannock Chase Hospital Observe Orthopaedic surgical procedures including Hip & Knee replacements, Shoulder, Hand surgery and injections. Observe patient care from ward to theatres including postoperative recovery and journey back to the ward. Observe the interaction between multiple disciplines within Theatre. Aged 18+ Duration 1 week Experience beneficial to potential: - Nursing / Healthcare Assistants - Paramedics - Medical Students
NOTE: The maximum number of applications considered per individual in any calendar year is 1; this applies to all Departments. This list above is not exhaustive if you are interested in an area which is not listed please ring and discuss this with the Work Experience Team, who will then liaise with the area in question to identify if your request can be supported. Please contact: Work Experience Team Work Experience Team HealthTec Education & Training Pond Lane Building 8 The Ashes Parkfields Wolverhampton Wolverhampton WV2 1HG WV10 0QP Telephone: 01902 444842 / 01902 444053 Telephone: 01902 695109 Email: rwh-tr.work-experience@nhs.net Website: www.royalwolverhamptonhospitals.nhs.uk