Ten students from West Suffolk College recently joined their local hospital to experience life on busy NHS wards.

Pupils on the BTEC health and social care course shadowed staff in a variety of areas, including occupational therapy, physiotherapy, pharmacy and speech and language therapy.

Alex Levitt-Powell, lead practice education facilitator for the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It has been a pleasure to support the BTEC students from West Suffolk College.

"It is essential we ensure quality placement opportunities to support those in our local community who are exploring health as their career of choice."

Each student gave a presentation about the 100 hours each of them spent at the hospital, revealing that many of them had ambitions for the future which relate to the areas they had worked in.

Hannah Swallow, work placement assessment officer for health and social sciences for West Suffolk College, said: "This outstanding opportunity for students has provided a supported insight into the advantages of working within the NHS and encourages students to consider nursing as a vocation. 

"We cannot thank West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust enough for the opportunities they have given to the students."