Students say mock hospital makes course 'engaging'

Students say a mock hospital ward is helping them to learn nursing skills

Students at a new teaching hospital have said a mock hospital ward "gives purpose" to their studies.

Wiltshire College and Salisbury District Hospital recently opened a new healthcare zone at the college's Salisbury campus.

It has been designed to look and feel like a hospital, complete with a real ambulance, reception area, observation room and a seven-bed ward.

First year student Millie said: "It gives purpose to what we're learning and then we get to experience it hands-on, which is really good."

The two-year degree course is being run jointly by Wiltshire College and University Centre and Salisbury District Hospital in collaboration with Coventry University.

Alfie, another first year student, added that it made the course more "full-on and engaging".

He said: "It's not just a text book [so] it's easier to put it into practical terms and understand why we're learning stuff."

Georgia Stevens said she felt lucky to teach at the college

Louise Wood, healthcare development lead at Wiltshire College, said it was a "really positive part" of the students' education to have practical elements.

"Everything replicates what they would experience when they go into work placements," she added.

Course leader Georgia Stevens said she felt "lucky" to teach at the facility.

"We're looking specifically into adult nursing," Ms Stevens explained.

"I take them through the theory they need so they can apply to university for any healthcare course. It's an alternative qualification to A-level.

"My students absolutely love it here. It's a really great facility we all feel very lucky. I feel lucky to be teaching in it.

"We've got some really advanced things we can use in our wards."