Next generation of health professionals inspired at inaugural festival

Young people from across Derbyshire have been exploring what healthcare could look like in the future at an interactive careers’ festival hosted by the University of Derby.

The first-ever Healthcare Insights Festival, aimed at students in Years 10 to 12, gave the next generation of health professionals the chance to learn about how healthcare is evolving to meet future challenges.

Featuring expert advice, hands-on activities and simulation experiences, the festival centred around the three transformational shifts outlined in the NHS 10-Year Health Plan: from hospital to community, from analogue to digital, and from treatment to prevention. 

Through these themes, students gained insight into how healthcare services are changing and how multidisciplinary teams work together to improve patient outcomes and population health.

Bringing together community organisations and experts in healthcare and education, the event highlighted innovation, collaboration and the career pathways available within modern healthcare.

Students experienced nine hands-on activities that included digital anatomy and simulation of normal childbirth, ethical decision-making, electronic patient records, basic life support, clinical observations, discharge planning, falls prevention and community-based care. 

The workshops highlighted the diverse range of healthcare careers while demonstrating how the NHS is transforming through innovation, prevention and care closer to home.

Dr Runa Saha, Founding Dean of Medicine at the University of Derby, said: “Healthcare is changing rapidly, and the NHS 10-Year Health Plan sets out an ambitious vision for the future. 

“The Healthcare Insights Festival gave students the opportunity to explore these changes first-hand while meeting professionals who are shaping the future of health and care. 

“We hope the event inspired young people to see themselves as part of that future and encouraged them to consider the many rewarding careers available within the sector.”

The festival brought together healthcare organisations, education providers and community groups to showcase how different professions work together to support patients and improve public health.

Students also completed a festival workbook, encouraging them to reflect on their experiences and consider how their interests and skills could translate into future careers in healthcare.

Dr Saha added: “The feedback from the event was hugely positive and it would be great to see these young people back at Derby in the future. 

“One of our key aims is to raise aspirations by making healthcare careers feel accessible to everyone.

“We want young people, regardless of their background, to recognise their own potential and understand that there are many opportunities to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives through a career in health and care.”