Schoolchildren get hands-on at clinical skills centre

More than 300 pupils from Dundee, Perth and Angus learned about resuscitation skills, how to look at x-rays and even how to bathe an ill baby when they paid a visit to the medical school.

The students visited the University's Clinical Skills Centre at Ninewells Hospital to find out about working in the healthcare sector. In hands-on workshops the pupils used mannequins to try out their new skills, including resuscitation techniques and lessons on how to use a stethoscope to check for heart problems in patients.

As part of the University's Working in Health Access Programme, the third year school pupils met healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses and dentists to find out what the life of a healthcare worker in the NHS is all about.

Dr Jean Ker, Director of the Clinical Skills Centre said, "This is a great opportunity for pupils to see what healthcare workers do so that they can then make a more informed choice on their own careers. We hope the hands-on approach will help young people understand the number of occupations available in the sector."