Health chief meets Sheffield university healthcare students in virtual visit

Sheffield Hallam University prides itself on being one of the largest trainers of healthcare professionals in the UK with more than 3,500 students enrolled in health-related courses.

Sir David Behan, Chair of Health Education England – which is responsible for education, training and workforce development in the the Department of Health – met students and alumni as part of a virtual, roundtable discussion.

It comes after more than 600 final-year nursing and allied health Hallam students volunteered to join the workforce to battle the pandemic in April.

Students, Rebecca Atherton, Helen Metcalfe and Hannah Peck, shared their experiences of studying during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly how practical training has been delivered and NHS work placements.

Alison Heblich, who recently graduated as a Higher Degree Apprentice in BSc Health Science and is now a cardiac physiologist, talked about her experience of studying whilst working in a hospital.

She said: “Fulfilling my Degree Apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam has not only taught me about clinical and professional practice.

"As a healthcare scientist, it has also taught me so much about myself, to strive to achieve things that I never dreamed I could be capable of with the support of my tutors.

“I will never forget this experience and in these changing times, my training will underpin and support my ongoing professional development.”

Sir David also met with senior leaders from the University and College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences to discuss key challenges and opportunities such as innovation, digital learning, placement challenges, alongside the future needs of the NHS and its workforce,

He added: “In the face of what is an unsettling and difficult time for us all, it’s been inspiring to see how Sheffield Hallam has risen to new and unexpected challenges since the Covid-19 outbreak began, and I’d like to express my gratitude to both the university and students for their perseverance, adaptability and commitment.

“Covid-19 presents unique challenges for training, but it has also led to a more innovative environment for students.

"It is essential that the education, training and placements of students are protected so we can ensure all students meet the requirements of their registration body.

"By supporting this future workforce, we protect the future of the NHS, and Sheffield Hallam is rising to that challenge.”

Dr Schwarz, Dean of the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, commented: “We were delighted to welcome Sir David to Sheffield Hallam to discuss the future of the NHS workforce and meet some of our wonderful students.

“Never has the discussion around NHS workforce development been so important.

"As a country and sector, we are facing profound challenges, so as one of the leading healthcare training universities in the country, we were really pleased to share our ambitions around innovative teaching delivery and meeting the needs of the NHS – and find so much common ground with Sir David and Health Education England.”

The 15 Sheffield areas where coronavirus cases are FALLING fastest

The NHS is preparing for 7 day coronavirus vaccine clinics - but can ‘normal life’ really resume by spring?

Latest coronavirus rates for each part of Sheffield and South Yorkshire with 3 areas above 400

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.