East Riding College celebrates fourth anniversary of Clinical Skills Centre opening

CARE: Students at the Clinical Skills Centre

By Rick Lyon

East Riding College is celebrating the fourth anniversary of the official opening of the Clinical Skills Centre in Bridlington.

Originally the vision Deborah Robinson, Faculty Director for Professional External Engagement at the University of Hull and Chair of the centre, and local GP Dr Mike Hardman, the facility is based at the college’s St Mary’s Walk campus.

Its aim was to respond to the shortage of medical professionals in the area and give learners real life experience of what it is like to work in the NHS in roles available to them.

It has supported students looking to pursue careers in either medicine or health and social care from East Riding College, which is part of the TEC Partnership, Headlands School and Bridlington School. They study in the realistic Clinical Skills Centre using state-of-the-art medical equipment.

SUCCESS: Students develop the skills and experience they need to become medical professionals

Facilities and equipment students can access include a hospital ward teaching area equipped with an industry-standard medical mannequin, a social environment to enhance their knowledge and skills of delivering care in the home, and a communications room replicating a GP surgery to practice their skills. 

Jointly funded by the Lords Feoffees and Assistants of the Manor of Bridlington, the Advantage Coast Community Led Local Development (CLLD) and FORCE, the centre partners with local GP surgeries, the NHS, the University of Hull York Medical School, East Riding Social Services and representatives from the voluntary and private care sectors. 

Ruth Wray, Curriculum Leader Early Years and Care at East Riding College, said: “The centre works with several medical professionals and these links have proven invaluable to the students.

“It gives them a real head start in the industry, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need. We are very proud to have so many of our students go on to successful careers in the medical industry, including in midwifery, clinical health, nursing and occupational health.”

For further information on how to join the Clinical Skills Centre, call Rachel Foot on 01482 390876 or email footr@eastridingcollege.ac.uk