Publish date: 21 October 2024
Northumbria Healthcare shows its support to aid healthcare learning for students through the opening of a new training facility
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust were delighted to play a role in the opening of a brand-new healthcare training facility at Northumberland school, Bede Academy.
The new facility, which is officially called, Trinity Health Centre, will support the delivery of a new T-Level course and is designed to support young people considering careers in healthcare. The centre was inspired by the clinical skills facility at Northumbria University and includes a ward like environment to give students practical, hands-on experience in healthcare.
The first cohort of students began studying at the facility in September and, Marion Dickson, executive director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals at Northumbria Healthcare, officially opened the centre.
Expressing delight about the new facilitiy, Marion said; "It has been a pleasure to open this fantastic new facility. Raising awareness of careers in health and social care is particularly important to us and this new facility will enable students to get the experience they need in a real-life like training environment. Developments like this are exactly what young people need to spark an interest in healthcare careers and to help prepare our future workforce in their healthcare training after leaving school."
In addition to opening the facility, the trust also supported by donating used furniture and medical equipment to kit out the centre. This included beds, chairs, stethoscopes and thermometers.
The donation of the equipment contributes to the trust’s Community Promise, particularly on the Action on Education pillar. This includes building strong relationships with schools and colleges to raise aspirations and promote awareness of the varied roles in health and social care.
Andrew Thelwell, Principal at Bede Academy said: “It is fantastic to see this health facility up and running for our T Level Health Students. They are excited by the opportunity to learn and develop their skills here and we hope this will inspire them to pursue careers across the health professions.
“Particular thanks need to go to colleagues from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Northumbria for their support in bringing the vision for this facility to life. It has been a privilege to have Marion Dickson on-site to open the facility.”
Media contact
Emily Lavin, marketing and communications officer
emily.lavin@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk