A group of enthusiastic Year 9 students enjoyed an exciting and informative careers focus day at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), gaining first-hand insight into the wide range of roles that keep the NHS running.

The day began with a warm welcome and an introduction to the NHS, where students learned about the history of the service, the scale of its workforce, and the vital part it plays in communities across the country. This session helped students understand just how many different career pathways exist within healthcare - far beyond the roles they see on the surface.

Exploring the Hospital: A Tour of Key Areas

Students were then taken on a general tour of the hospital’s main areas, giving them a broader understanding of how different departments work together to deliver patient care. From busy clinical corridors to essential support services, the group gained a real sense of the scale and complexity of a modern hospital. Staff explained how each area contributes to the patient journey, helping students appreciate the teamwork and coordination required across the site.

Radiography Spotlight

A dedicated radiography session introduced students to the world of medical imaging. They explored how X-rays and other imaging technologies support diagnosis and treatment, and learned about the specialist skills and training needed to work in this fast-moving field.

Infection Prevention: Hands-On Learning

An interactive infection-prevention workshop proved to be one of the day’s highlights. Students took part in a hand-washing activity designed to show how easily germs can spread and why good hygiene is essential in healthcare settings. The activity was both fun and eye-opening, reinforcing the importance of infection control across the NHS.

Behind the Scenes: Pharmacy Tour

The visit concluded with an in-depth tour of the hospital’s pharmacy department. Students were shown how medicines are stored, prepared, and distributed, and learned about the crucial role pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play in patient care. The behind-the-scenes access gave them a real appreciation of the precision and teamwork required in this area.

Student Reflections

One student shared that although they had always wanted to work with children, the visit helped them realise they now hope to pursue that passion within a healthcare setting. 

Comment from Careers Adviser Paula Askew

Paula Askew, Careers Adviser, praised the students for their enthusiasm throughout the day, saying that experiences like this “give young people a real insight into the breadth of NHS careers and help them make informed, confident decisions about their future pathways.”