01246 277 271
The date for Medical Work Experience will be
w/c 6th July 2026
The application process is now closed.
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 |
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.
