HealthTec South West

HealthTec South West offers hands-on practical experience of science and health & social care through true-to-life scenarios. With its specially equipped centre in Plymouth, students gain valuable knowledge and understanding of skills used by health professionals to enhance the curriculum through interactive learning. They learn how to use real hospital equipment, find out about NHS employment opportunities and discover the exciting role of a scene of crime officer.

“Showing the practical side really helped me understand more.” Student

“The entire day was excellent – difficult to select the best bit.” Teacher from Truro/Penwith College

A range of full and half-day courses at the centre in Plymouth offer a variety of interactive scenarios, delivered by qualified health professionals and practitioners, covering a wide spectrum of the 14-19 curriculum including Science, Health & Social Care, PSHEE and Citizenship.

Facilities include an ambulance, an A&E triage area, a hospital ward, rehabilitation room and a mock bedsit to allow students to get hands on in realistic simulations using authentic professional equipment.

HealthTec are working to support the PSHEE and Citizenship curriculum, in particular addressing regional issues including teenage pregnancy, mental health and risk taking behaviour. These issues are addressed in the use of one day, targeted scenarios.

A selection of the scenarios at HealthTec South West

The Patient Journey – Students experience the patient journey of a heart attack casualty and help to diagnose the reason for the attack by looking at their lifestyle. They will discover the different roles in the NHS and how they work together, while learning about the science behind the heart attack and its associated treatment. The basics of CPR, A&E staff and equipment, treatment in a hospital ward and rehabilitation are all covered.

Care of Older People – In a simulated environment, students learn how to overcome a variety of physical and sensory impairments by experiencing the difficulties of disabilities and impairments through specialist equipment. They will experience what it is like to suffer from the various conditions and complaints that affect the elderly, such as arthritis and visual impairment by wearing ‘age suits’ and ‘goggles’.

Forensic Science – Students are tasked with investigating a crime scene, collecting evidence and following the procedures of an investigating team to identify their suspect and put them on trial. The scenario requires students to record evidence and learn various techniques, such as fingerprinting, collecting fibres and analysing footprints. Working together, students will also take witness statements. This is relevant for students studying forensic science but it is also appropriate for the justice element of the SHD Diploma and general science.

Key information