Hall Cross school to set up the first training link with Doncaster hospitals

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals will enter into a formal partnership with the school this month which will see the hospital and school working closely together, to develop opportunities for pupils wishing to pursue a career in the health service.

It is one of the first agreements of its kind in the country,

Dr Alasdair Strachan, director of education and consultant anaesthetist at the trust, said: 'This is a fantastic development not only locally but also for the wider NHS. By working closely with our partners at Hall Cross Academy we will not only further increase opportunities for students to embark on a hugely rewarding career in health, but also lay a promising and skilled foundation for the future of our local hospitals.'

Hospital bosses believe increasingly complex patient-need and an ever-expanding population, will mean the NHS will face further workforce demands in the near future. In order to address this challenge locally, the hospitals and Hall Cross Academy are looking to find new ways to support students as they look towards job prospects past the age of 16. 

By becoming a Foundation School in Health, it means the school will see more involvement from doctors and nurses. This will include work experience, further advice and information from experienced medics, as well as the appointment of '˜careers champions' within the local hospitals. 

It will also see the development of vocational studies, with pupils offered on-the-job learning. It will not be just about working with patients. It will also tie in with jobs such as laboratory work, IT, estates and facilities and other corporate functions within the Trust.   

The trust has made strides in education over the past number of years. In 2018 alone, the Trust trained 25 per cent of all medical students in the region as well as 30 per cent of all clinical and other health professional learners. It has over 6,600 staff and 250 different professions.

Hall Cross is the closest in proximity to Doncaster Royal Infirmary,and has around 2,000 pupils. 

Principal Pippa Dodgshon said: 'As a school, it is our ambition, above all else, to ensure that our pupils are given the best possible education which will prepare them for a fulfilling and fruitful career, whatever it is they choose to pursue. 

"I believe as a Foundation School for Health, we will be able to draw on the advice, expertise and guidance of the local NHS, creating and illuminating a clear and engaging pathway for pupils to follow in order to become a nurse, doctor or any other of the myriad opportunities in the health service. This is an incredibly exciting time, and, with the Trust, we cannot wait to get started.'

The partnership will formally commence from October 19.