University Health Showcase to inspire next generation of NHS

Two free events on 18 October welcome schoolchildren and public to main campus to see the largest collection of health courses in the South West
SciTech Showcase 2018 - 11

A Paralympian, a naval hero and the largest collection of health courses in the South West are the highlights of an upcoming event at the University of Plymouth.

Taking place on Thursday 18 October in partnership with Next Steps South West (NSSW), the Health Showcase welcomes schoolchildren to inspire them into health and medical careers, from nursing to neuroscience, dentistry to dietetics and psychology to social work.

The life-changing teaching and research at the institution is also available for members of the public to view during the evening, free of charge, from 5–6.30pm.

Coinciding with the 70th anniversary year of the NHS, the day session is being run in partnership with NSSW, the collaborative outreach network that includes universities and colleges from Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and delivers impartial information and support to ensure that young people receive equal opportunities whatever their circumstances.

The day welcomes Paralympian David Hill, from Exmouth, who was born with no left forearm but was brought up to believe there was no such word as ‘can't’ – becoming a two-time Paralympian in swimming and triathlon, World and European medallist, British Champion and Top 10 Finisher in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Paralympic Games. 

David Hill Health Showcase

David, whose work is now focused on enabling secondary school pupils to establish and achieve their dreams, said:

“I’m really looking forward to coming along to the event. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive world-class care and treatment through the NHS, which supported my competitive career. As with any athlete, it’s been a journey of highs and lows and injuries and operations. From nurses to surgeons to physiotherapists they have all played a vital role in my support team to ensure I can maximise my time on the field of play, so seeing how students can enter these careers is fantastic.”

In the evening, guests have the chance to hear from Surgeon Captain Jason Smith Royal Navy, a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, who has undertaken several deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Sierra Leone, and, most recently, South Sudan.

Jason Smith

Professor Smith’s research focuses on pain in emergency patients and the management of blast injuries, and he explained: 

“The first time I saw a patient with blast injuries was a pivotal moment in my career. I had been a registrar in east London and had seen my fair share of major trauma, but this was on a different scale. I was in Iraq in 2003, working in a Royal Navy medical treatment facility, when we received patients who had been injured by an explosion. The severity of injury, and sheer destructive capacity of explosives really came home to me. As a result, the management of blast injuries is one of the key research topics that I have been involved in since.

“I’m really proud to work in the NHS. We work hard to provide a service that is open 24/7, and is free at the point of access. There is always someone on duty prepared to look after you in your hour of need and I’m looking forward to sharing more about my experiences at the University of Plymouth Health Showcase.”

Other institutions present on the day include City College Plymouth, Plymouth Marjon University, Livewell Southwest, Guide Dogs for the Blind and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust.

Bridie Kent, Head of School of Nursing and Midwifery

Professor Bridie Kent, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Human Sciences at the University of Plymouth:

We’re proud here at Plymouth to offer the largest range of health courses in the region and it’ll be great for students to meet the people who are in the jobs, doing the research, and ultimately teaching them if they decide to come here.