Future medics take first steps towards healthcare career

Aspiring young healthcare professionals have celebrated completing six months of volunteering at St Wilfrid’s Hospice in Eastbourne.

The hospice runs a Young Clinical Volunteer (YCV) programme every year for anyone aged between 16 and 24 years old who may be interested in a career in medicine.

YCV’s complete one four-hour shift every week for six months and shadow the Inpatient Unit team. They are supported throughout by a mentor and complete a workbook which follows the 15 standards of the Care Certificate.

YCV Co-ordinator, Gillian Laloux, said: “YCVs become a real part of the team. They volunteer closely with patients, doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and other clinical professionals and can also shadow doctors on ward rounds and watch clinical procedures. It is a unique opportunity to see what working in a palliative care setting is really like, and excellent experience for many of our YCVs who go on to work in the medical sector.”

Seventeen-year-old Connor was part of our last cohort and hopes to be a doctor. “Being a YCV was really informative,” he said. “And it was quite eye opening. I helped patients with small things they couldn’t do for themselves, such as eating and drinking, but I also helped with catheter repositioning and a bladder scan.

“Being a YCV gave me a lot more than I expected. I thought maybe I’d sit on a desk and just watch everything, but you get to interact with patients, families, nurses and doctors. I would encourage any young person who’s thinking about applying to go for it. It can be intense sometimes, but also fun, and so rewarding,” Connor added.

Applications will be opening soon for the next group of YCVs. Visit stwhospice.org/ycv to find out more, email vsteam@stwhospice.org or call 01323 434205.

St Wilfrid’s Hospice provides high-quality care and support for people across Eastbourne, Seaford, Hailsham, Uckfield, Heathfield (and all points between) with life-limiting illnesses.