Transplant coordinators, bug detectors and restart a heart champions, 60 year-6 pupils from Shakespeare Primary in Harehills, visited St James’ Hospital this week, to take part in workshops that saw them role playing a heart transplant and navigating a hand washing escape room, as part of our commitment to working with our local primary school.
The two classes of 11-year-olds were supported by a team of Clinical Teaching Fellows*, who had designed a half day session for each class that focused on bringing a fun yet educational approach to learning about hospitals and healthcare. This included an introduction to basic life support, a hand washing escape room to promote infection prevention and preventing the spread of bacteria and viruses, and a session building on the pupils’ recent classroom learning about the book Pig Heart Boy.
One class from the three-form entry primary school had already visited back in December, and the hospital was happy to host the additional two classes following such positive feedback from the pupils and their teachers.
Dr Sarah Campion, Lead Undergraduate Medical Educator said:
“I’ve been so impressed by the behaviour of the children, who were so enthusiastic and keen to learn. Children often see us when they’re unwell, so it’s wonderful to meet them in a different setting and we’re confident that they will take plenty of practical learning away from this.”
Poppy Cartwright, Subject Lead at Shakespeare Primary School said:
“Many of the families from our school work in and around the hospital and so to give pupils an insight into different roles in medicine and also some basic healthcare awareness and practical skills, we’re sure they’ll remember this for a long time. Activities like this bring science to life and show how learning connects to real careers, and we’re grateful for great opportunities like this one.”
*With thanks to our Clinical Teaching Fellows: Dr Coles, Dr Nasir-Gonzalez, Dr O’Loughlin, Dr Bithell, Dr Mahmood, Dr Holland, and Dr McClintock, who bring expertise and enthusiasm to supporting the next generation of doctors.