Cheshire College – South & West officially launch its state-of-the-art hospital ward at its Ellesmere Port campus. The innovative facility, created in partnership with industry experts offers a training environment designed to give students hands-on experience in a real-life medical setting, equipping them with the practical skills they need to excel in their careers in healthcare, life sciences, and other related industries.
The new hospital ward features an impressive 6-bed replica hospital ward, designed to simulate a working medical environment. The training space is complemented by cutting edge dental simulation equipment, tactile models, life-like mannequins, virtual dissection tables and immersive digital reality programmes.
Students will be able to interact with advanced mannequins to measure blood pressure, heart rate, and simulate patient care in a ward environment. They will also be trained to check pulses and monitor virtual procedures using the digital equipment.
The development of the facility began in 2023 and was carried out to ensure all students are equipped with the latest technologies and expertise to thrive in the fast-evolving healthcare sector.
Karen Roberts, Assistant Principal for Apprenticeships and Employer Engagement at Cheshire College said “This new facility is a prime example of how collaboration between education and industry can transform learning. By offering students hands-on experience in a realistic medical setting, we are equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their future careers and meet the growing demands of the healthcare sector.”
Last year, the College launched a similar hospital ward at its Crewe campus, which has already been a resounding success, providing invaluable learning experiences for students.
The new facility in Ellesmere Port will not only benefits students but also serve as a resource for local healthcare providers. Several organisations that collaborate with the College have already expressed interest in using the ward for staff training, recognising the potential for developing a highly skilled workforce.
The ward is expected to play a key role in enhancing the employability skills for college leavers by providing them with practical, industry-relevant experience that is highly valued by employers.
Sarah Emes-Young, Project Manager and Employer Engagement, Cheshire and Warrington Local Skills Improvement Plan, said: “The opening of the hospital ward is a perfect example of how the College is developing the skills of young people to meet the needs of the healthcare sector.”
“The facility gives students the hands-on experience that local employers need, creating a stronger workforce and supporting regional growth.”
Many students will be working towards T Level qualifications, which focus on giving students the hands-on training and knowledge required to meet the demands of the modern workforce.”
Karen added “Our learners don’t just gain theoretical knowledge; they benefit from meaningful work experience and industry placements that are life-changing. Sometimes, those placements lead them to discover career paths they hadn’t even considered. It’s about opening doors to new possibilities and inspiring them to think beyond the immediate program they enrolled on.”
The hospital ward and its accompanying facilities across the College represent a significant investment in both the future of students and the broader community. This investment not only ensures that students gain the confidence and experience to pursue successful careers in healthcare but also supports local innovation, job creation, and economic growth”.
For more information on Health and Social Care courses at Cheshire College, visit https://www.ccsw.ac.uk/subject/health-and-social-care/?sta=College%2016+.
