In Somerset, a creative NHS outreach initiative is capturing the imaginations of primary school children by using teddy bears and miniature medical kits to introduce a wide range of healthcare careers. Amid growing recruitment challenges, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is focusing on early education to inspire the next generation of NHS professionals.
The trust’s people services team visits local primary schools with interactive sessions that challenge the common misconception that the NHS is staffed only by doctors and nurses. Caroline Stone, the trust’s careers and employability skills facilitator, explains the program’s goal: “Many children believe the NHS is just doctors and nurses, influenced by TV shows and online content. We want to show them the broad spectrum of roles available in healthcare.”
Rather than simply promoting traditional medical careers, the team tailors conversations to each child’s interests. For instance, children who enjoy science learn about various healthcare scientist roles within the NHS.
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Mark Carter, the trust’s future careers facilitator, leads the popular ‘Teddy Bear Hospital’ sessions. This hands-on activity encourages children to care for teddy bears using toy medical equipment, providing a practical and fun introduction to healthcare professions. “Instead of overwhelming very young kids with facts, we inspire them through play, explaining in simple terms which healthcare jobs use the equipment,” Mark says.
Since the start of the school year, the Teddy Bear Hospital has visited 27 primary schools, engaging 1,315 children. Teacher feedback has been highly positive, with one praising the inclusion of equipment like stoma bags and hearing aids for sparking meaningful discussions. Another teacher highlighted that the sessions enlightened students to the essential roles of hospital support staff, such as plumbers and decorators, often overlooked in healthcare discussions.
The NHS outreach program also extends into secondary schools, holding 59 events this academic year and reaching 3,916 students. Additionally, 164 students have taken part in NHS work experience placements, gaining real-world insights.
For older students, the trust offers tailored talks, simulation exercises, and career pathway advice. Caroline notes, “We attend careers fairs, run mock interviews, and invite students and teachers to visit our hospitals to give them first-hand experience.”
The program emphasizes that many healthcare roles do not require university degrees. Apprenticeships and entry-level positions, like healthcare assistants, provide valuable pathways within the NHS. One former placement student discovered the field of clinical coding, a lesser-known but vital NHS career, during their experience.
Caroline concludes, “Without initiatives like this, young people may never discover the full range of NHS opportunities. Our goal is to keep engaging with them, making sure they know what’s possible and helping to build tomorrow’s healthcare workforce.”
