Students ‘scrub up’ in a visit to university’s operating department practice suite
It’s not just about becoming a doctor; the programme aims at widening awareness of the vastly available careers available in the sector, such as audiology, biochemistry, operating department practice (ODP) and genetics. Dr Susan Ford, Chemistry Lecturer.
Students at Coleg Sir Gâr visited Swansea University as part of the college’s Medical Field Programme to visit the operating department practice and midwifery SUSIM suite.
Those studying chemistry, science and health and social care A-levels took one of many trips as part of the partnership between the college and university to deliver the Medical Field Programme.
It’s not just about becoming a doctor; the programme aims at widening awareness of the vastly available careers available in the sector, such as audiology, biochemistry, operating department practice (ODP) and genetics.
Students visited the operating department practice (ODP) facility which is set up as an operating theatre utilising simulated wall space with a hospital setting.
Some students volunteered to ‘scrub up’ in preparation for theatre with one of the university’s associate professors who leads the ODP programme.
They also had the opportunity of handling some theatre equipment and were taught how to use sponge forceps.
The visit also included a step inside the university’s Simulation and Immersive Learning Centre (SUSIM) which houses one of the largest simulation management systems in Europe.
Set up for a session in midwifery, students had an insight into working as a midwife from an experienced midwife and lecturer.
Dr Susan Ford, Coleg Sir Gâr chemistry lecturer leads the Medical Field Programme at the college. She said: “We feel that it’s important to offer these trips to our students because it opens their minds to all types of careers available within our medical and health sector.
“It gives them a taster of these careers and a familiarity with a university environment as well as course advice from university staff.”
