9 February 2005

Pupils get hands-on

Photo opportunity: 2.00pm, Thursday 10 February, Clinical Skills Centre, Ninewells Medical School, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee

Over 300 pupils from Dundee, Perth and Angus will learn about resuscitation skills, how to look at x-rays and even find out how to bathe an ill baby when they visit the University of Dundee's Medical school tomorrow.

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

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

The University is keen to show students with an interest in science some the options available in the healthcare sector from physiology to nursing and radiography to medicine.

Dr Jean Ker, Director 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."

The one-day event at the Clinical Skills Centre, Ninewells Hospital kicks off at 10.00am

Schools participating:

Morning session 10.00am

Arbroath Academy
Arbroath High
Brechin High
Forfar Academy
St. Columba (Perth)

Afternoon Session 1.00pm

Craigie High
Lawside
Menzieshill
Morgan
Perth Grammar

For further information please contact Jean Ker on 01382 633937

By Angela Durcan, Press Officer 01382 344768, out of hours: 07968298585, a.durcan@dundee.ac.uk