Alice

Where did you do your work experience?

Tiverton

What did you do?

I shadowed a range of people including occupational therapists, doctors, healthcare assistants, physiotherapists, and speech and language therapists.

What did you enjoy most?

Spending time on the minor injury unit. The doctor we were with saw 29 patients in under two hours! It was quite tiring but fascinating.

We looked at x-rays to discover if there were fractures. They were very difficult to spot, and I could only see them once they were pointed out to me.

I also enjoyed my time with the radiographers who x-ray the patients. I was shown how the machine worked.

What did you learn?

There are loads and loads of people in one hospital and it's such a team effort.

If a patient has a stroke, an ambulance and paramedics takes the person to hospital where doctors and nurses care for them in a ward. When recovering, an occupational therapist helps them to be safe at home by perhaps installing ramps and railings. If the person's speech is impaired they would be referred to a speech and language therapist, and if their body movements are impaired they would be referred to a physiotherapist.

Amazing!

Do you have any advice for other people?

Be organised and put the effort it because it will be worth it!

It's also very interesting and can show you if a job in the NHS is for you!