Calderdale College has unveiled a new mock hospital ward and occupational therapy suite that will support students to develop the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to progress onto rewarding careers in patient care.

Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Calderdale Council and local healthcare providers attended an official launch at the College on Monday 3 March to discover how they can benefit from the new state-of-the-art training spaces.

Thought to be the first of its kind in a Further Education college in England, the pioneering occupational therapy suite is equipped with an operational kitchen and bathroom, along with a ceiling track hoist and stairlift on loan from medical device manufacturers Stannah and Prism Medical. The unique classroom space will not only serve as a training hub for students but will also be utilised by Calderdale Council and the people it cares for and supports.

The mock ward has six patient beds, a fully functioning nurse call system and training manikins, including Priscilla, a female birthing simulator that mimics childbirth and was donated by the NHS Trust.

West Yorkshire houses one of Europe’s largest teaching hospitals and the College’s new facilities, which were part-funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, will support the next generation of healthcare professionals as they progress into Higher Education or employment within the sector.

David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College, said: “Building new healthcare training facilities gives our students the space, technologies and skills to thrive.

“By equipping our future healthcare professionals with practical, innovative learning environments, we’re ensuring that they are prepared to meet the challenges of a demanding but rewarding sector and ultimately improving patient care and outcomes for our local community.

“We offer a variety of pathways into roles such as midwifery and nursing at the College and look forward to seeing our Health and Social Care students become the driving force for a stronger NHS.”

Shelagh O’Neill, Director of Regeneration and Strategy at Calderdale Council, said: “It was fascinating to visit the College to see the new facilities which will help to boost opportunities for people to learn valuable skills in this unique environment.

“As part of our inclusive economy strategy, we want more Calderdale residents to be able to benefit from the training and support needed to access higher skilled and higher paid opportunities. Facilities like this will help retain talent within the borough, supporting people to reach their potential and benefit from greater choices and prospects.”

Executive Medical Director at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust, Neeraj Bhasin added: “As a Trust, we are proud to be a part of this innovative work which we hope will encourage students to join our brilliant local health and care workforce.

“It is so valuable for students starting out in their health and care career journey to be exposed to a simulated ward environment, along with interactive learning, to grow and develop their confidence and skills.”

The launch of the facilities took place during Colleges Week, which runs from 3 – 7 March. The week, organised by the Association of Colleges, highlights the impact Further Education has on local communities, and the country, and the work colleges are doing to build brighter futures.

The College delivers a wide range of high-quality vocational qualifications, including a T Level in Health that provides real-world experience for students training to become medical professionals. Working with NHS Health Education England, Calderdale College’s curriculum is meeting the demands of the UK’s biggest employer by getting young people career ready.