STEPPING OUT OF THE CLASSROOM INTO THE NHS

Student focuses on cardiac physiologist’s role to win regional prize NHS Careers 2010 schools’ competition

NHS Careers is delighted to announce the regional winners of the 2010 Step into the NHS schools’ competition. Zian Akhtar, from King Edward VI School in Morpeth has won the North East regional prize of the annual Step into the NHS schools’ competition by looking at the role of a cardiac physiologist  in the NHS.

Zian was selected from over 1,700 pupils nationwide who entered the competition, which was designed to encourage young people aged 12-14 to think about the huge variety of jobs available in the NHS.  Pupils throughout England were asked to research any of the wide range of careers in the NHS and submit a job description, CV of an ideal candidate and job advert for their chosen role.

Zian decided to look at the role of a cardiac physiologist in the NHS. The judges were particularly impressed by her creativity and understanding of the role in developing a range of materials, including a poster, brochure and other supporting materials.

Alan Simmons, careers consultant for NHS Careers and a member of the judging panel said, “This is the second year we have run the competition and the standard of entries was again very high.  We found that Zian’s understanding of the role of a cardiac physiologist and the creative way she promoted it to her peers, made her entry really stand out.

“With over 350 job roles, working in the NHS can mean a lot more than being a doctor or nurse – roles traditionally associated with the NHS. The NHS needs a whole team of staff, from art therapists to ambulance technicians and from dentists to dieticians to make sure that patients receive the best care possible.”

Zian was presented with her prize of a £50 Amazon voucher by Dianne Kenney, a cardiac physiologist at Northumbria NHS Trust during a special presentation at the school on Tuesday 18 May.

Dianne commented:  “Young people are extremely important to the future of the NHS and it’s great to know that students are aware of the wide range of opportunities that exist. I am delighted that the winner chose the job of cardiac physiologist to look at, as many people may not be aware of the work we do working with patients of all ages, and with specific conditions such as heart disease and angina.”

Mr Simon Taylor, head teacher at King Edward VI School said, “We are thrilled that one of our students has won this important prize. This competition has proven to be a valuable classroom tool, engaging students with the workings of the health service and the different career options available to them. The hard work and effort invested in this project reflects Zian’s commitment and dedication.”

Zian commented: "I am very proud to have won the regional competition and I am glad that I took part. I have always wanted a career in the NHS, and this competition has confirmed for me that I would like to study medicine in the future."

Gill Bellord, director of core membership services for NHS Employers said, “We want to broaden young people’s horizons when it comes to perceptions of the NHS and the career prospects available to them.  Many young people today want to work in an environment that is stimulating and makes a positive difference to other people’s lives.  The health service offers this and much more.  Among the 350 roles within the NHS there is an opportunity for everyone to develop a skill set and begin a real career.”

10 regional winners were selected from the following 10 regions: the East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, South Central, South East Coast, South West, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber

NHS Careers conducted an online survey through Youpoll, which sampled 1000 11-16 and their parents in November 2009. For more information, please contact NHS Careers

NHS Careers is the careers information service for the NHS in England. It consists of a telephone and email helpline, website, literature and other supporting materials. As well as offering careers information to anyone interested in working for the NHS, the service supports NHS employers, schools, colleges and careers advisors

Step into the NHS is a website and communications programme created by NHS Careers to offer information to students and careers advisers, including case studies, an A-Z of a selection of careers in the NHS and a personality quiz to help students map their careers. Visit www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk to find out more

For further information, please contact Suzannah Nobbs  or Joanna Clason in the NHS Careers media office: suzannah.nobbs@nhsemployers.org, on 020 7074 3264, 07595 657902 or joanna.clason@nhsemployers.org, on 020 7074 3309, or  07798 571078.