Health and Social Care students from Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhos-on-Sea campus volunteered to work in a range of different departments during Llandudno Hospital’s open day, where local residents were offered the chance of a 'behind-the-scenes' look around the hospital.

The students’ interest was piqued when Megan Vickery, engagement officer at Llandudno Hospital, came into college to give a presentation to the students about the work that the hospital does - within its four walls and also in the community. After the talk, the students volunteered to work in a variety of departments during the open day.

Before the open event, the students had prepared a health questionnaire (‘promoting a healthy lifestyle – community and hospital’) for visitors to fill in on arrival, asking what the local community want from their local hospital.

On the day, they volunteered to work in several units and areas: the birthing pool, memory café (where they organised craft sessions for children and elderly), alongside paramedics, as well as helping with taekwondo and yoga sessions. The students also went to the X-ray department with the osteoporosis team and were given ward tours where they got the opportunity to take patients’ blood pressure readings.

Health & Social Care tutor Carys Guy said: “We are really proud of the students, especially as they gave their own free time to volunteer on the day. We were impressed by their professionalism and maturity. Staff members at the hospital are keen for our students to be involved in future initiatives. It was an extremely valuable experience for them.”

During the day, local residents got the opportunity to meet NHS staff and find out how the hospital’s Minor Injuries Unit works. There was also a chance to look inside a working ambulance and meet one of Llandudno’s community midwives. They found out more about volunteering opportunities and enjoyed a cup of tea at the hospital’s Memory Café, which provides support and assistance to people living with dementia.

To find out more about our courses in Health and Social Care at Coleg Llandrillo, visit: www.gllm.ac.uk/health