CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) and local nursing staff joined colleagues from across NHS Forth Valley at the annual Healthcare Careers Event held at Forth Valley College’s Falkirk Campus. Around 700 secondary pupils from schools across the region attended the event to learn more about the wide range of career opportunities available within healthcare.
Staff from nursing, medicine, allied health professions and many other services brought enthusiasm and expertise to the event, answering a wide range of questions from pupils considering a future in healthcare. The day featured interactive demonstrations, hands-on activities and discussions designed to showcase the many different roles available across NHS Forth Valley and the routes into these careers.
Nursing staff and students provided a range of practical activities, giving S3 and S4 pupils the chance to practice taking manual blood pressure readings, temperatures, listening to heart sounds and learning how to correctly don and doff personal protective equipment – a particular favourite among the enthusiastic participants!
Meanwhile, CAMHS staff spoke to pupils about careers in mental health services, sharing insights into the diverse roles that support the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families.
Throughout the day, both teams helped pupils gain a greater understanding of the vital roles they play in supporting patients, carers and families across NHS Forth Valley. The event also provided a valuable opportunity to demonstrate not only the clinical skills required in healthcare, but also the compassion, communication and teamwork at the heart of delivering high-quality care.
In addition, the event provided a chance for staff from different services to learn more about each other’s roles, strengthen professional connections and share experiences with colleagues from across the organisation.
Most importantly, the careers event gave staff the opportunity to encourage and inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals. Judging by the enthusiasm, curiosity and energy shown by the pupils throughout the day, the future of healthcare looks very promising.
