Sixty students from 22 Sunshine Coast high schools will swap their school uniforms for theatre scrubs on Wednesday 9 August as part of The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital at Buderim’s annual Hospital Experience Day.
Celebrating its tenth year, the innovative program allows the Year 10, 11 and 12 students to learn first-hand from medical, allied and other health professionals through presentations, simulation labs and practical work experience.
General Manager Wallis Westbrook said the program aimed to offer students a practical insight into the workings of a busy hospital.
“Students in senior high school years have some big decisions to make about their career and study and pathways after school,” Mr Westbrook said.
“By spending time with us, the students have the opportunity for a hands-on educational experience to gain an understanding of a range of careers within a hospital setting including nursing, midwifery, medicine and allied health,” he said.
“We are always looking for opportunities to invest in the next generation of doctors and nurses who will be responsible for looking after the health of our community which is why I believe the program is such a valuable experience and an excellent launching pad for our future healthcare professionals.”
Education Manager Alex Spencer said the program has helped hundreds of local students since launching in 2007.
“It is fantastic to see so many enthusiastic and conscientious students enjoy the program each year, many of whom were born here and already have a very special connection with the hospital,” Ms Spencer said.
“We like to work closely with local education providers such as the University of the Sunshine Coast, Central Queensland University and East Coast TAFE to support students and so far this year we have already welcomed more than 100 midwifery, nursing, physiotherapy, allied health and medical students,” she said.
The Sunshine Coast Private Hospital has been serving the community since 1980 and is part of UnitingCare Health - one of the largest not-for-profit private hospital groups in Queensland which operates more than 1000 licensed beds across four hospitals.