Transform offers student placements at Midlands site

Transform Hospital Group has partnered with Birmingham City University to offer student placements at its Bromsgrove hospital. 

Under the collaboration, up to seven students on the university’s diploma and degree-level Operating Department Practitioner courses will be able to undertake practical operating theatre placements at Burcot Hall Hospital. 

The partnership will also enable operating department support workers already working with Transform Hospital Group to enrol on the University’s Theatre Assistant Practitioner apprenticeship and complete Level 4 Scrub Training. 

Sherie Wilson, head of clinical operations at Transform Hospital Group, who orchestrated the partnership, said: ‘Getting hands-on experience in a theatre setting is absolutely vital and whilst most placements are undertaken within the NHS, there’s real value in getting a feel for working in the independent healthcare sector. Both settings differ in terms of the types of patients being treated and the types of procedures being undertaken, so having the chance to do both gives students a well-rounded experience. In fact, there is an increase in students requesting exposure to private hospital settings as part of their placement structure, and we’re thrilled to be able to give them the opportunity.’

Alongside their placement, students will be given the opportunity to gain paid employment by joining the hospital’s bank of healthcare assistant staff. 

Charlotte Burnside, head of Operating Department Practice & Paramedic Science at Birmingham City University, said: ’We work with NHS Trusts and private healthcare providers across the West Midlands and South West to deliver our various Operating Department programmes. But we’re always looking to expand placement areas for our students and to help with staff supply at a time where shortages in the profession are high.’