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The Trust offers two four-day Medical Work Experience programmes per year which supports individuals who are considering a career in Medicine. This programme is only open to post 16 students who are in receipt of their GCSE results and would meet the criteria to apply to Medical School.
Although subject to possible alteration, the programme below outlines a typical medical work experience schedule with some of the interactive activities which includes:
- Clinical Skills
- Basic Life Support
- Phlebotomy
- Shadowing doctors on the wards
Alongside our interactive sessions, there will be talks by specialists as well as two days shadowing Consultants, Doctors and their teams in a clinical setting, either on the ward or in clinics.
| Day | Session 1 |
Break |
Session 2 |
Break |
Session 3 | Session 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
9am-11am
|
Preparation for shadowing 11.15-11.45
11.45-12.15
|
1.15pm-2pm
|
2.30pm-3.30pm Blood Services and Phlebotomy |
||
| 2 | Shadowing a doctor | Shadowing a doctor |
Shadowing a doctor | Shadowing a doctor | ||
| 3 |
9am-11am
|
11.15am-12pm
|
1pm-2pm
|
2pm-3pm
|
||
| 4 | Shadowing a doctor | Shadowing a doctor | Shadowing a doctor | Shadowing a doctor |
July 2026 Feedback
Providing meaningful work experience opportunities is an important part of supporting the future NHS workforce. By enabling young people to gain a realistic understanding of careers in medicine, the programme helps students make informed decisions about their future studies and career pathways while inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals.
From 6–9 July 2026, Chesterfield Royal Hospital welcomed aspiring healthcare professionals to its Medical Work Experience Programme, providing students with a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the realities of working in an acute NHS hospital setting.
The four-day programme was designed to help young people explore careers in medicine, develop their understanding of the NHS, and experience the day-to-day role of doctors and multidisciplinary teams. Through a combination of ward-based learning, clinical skills sessions, specialist talks and interactive activities, participants were able to observe healthcare professionals in a variety of settings and learn more about patient care.
Chesterfield Royal Hospital would like to thank all the consultants, doctors, educators and clinical teams who contributed their time and expertise to make this year's programme such a success. Their support has helped create a memorable and impactful experience for aspiring future healthcare professionals.
February 2026 Feedback
The Trust was pleased to welcome 10 Medical Work Experience students in February 2026. All of the students enjoyed their time in the Trust and overall, feedback was extremely positive and demonstrates that the programme is achieving its core aims of improving understanding of the medical role, supporting informed career decision‑making, and providing meaningful exposure to NHS clinical practice.
Participants particularly valued authentic, ward‑based experiences, including observing doctors assessing patients, taking part in ward rounds, and gaining insight into the day‑to‑day realities of working as a doctor in an acute Trust. Learners consistently highlighted the benefit of seeing multidisciplinary teamwork in action, including MDT meetings and informal huddles, which helped them understand how doctors, nurses and wider healthcare professionals communicate and collaborate to deliver patient care.
Exposure to a range of specialties and clinical settings—including stroke, paediatrics, ENT clinics, SDEC and wards —was frequently referenced as a key strength of the programme. Several “stand‑out” experiences were noted, such as observing cardiac angiograms and live x‑ray imaging, participating in clinical skills training including CPR/basic life support, and witnessing the positive impact of treatment on patients’ quality of life.
Many participants reported increased confidence and clarity about future career choices, with the programme reinforcing interest in pursuing medicine or other NHS professions. 100% of the participants would recommend the programme.
July 2025
We were delighted to welcome our latest cohort of medical work experience students. During their placement, they gained valuable insights by shadowing Consultants and clinical teams across the Medicine, Surgery, Emergency Care and Family Care Divisions. To read reflections from the group, please click the link opposite.
February 2025
The Trust were pleased to meet our latest group of medical work experience students. During their time with us they enjoyed time spent on the wards shadowing Consultants and their teams in Medicine, Surgery and Emergency Care Divisions. To read feedback from the group please click on the link opposite.
Medical Work Experience Programme July 2026