Introducing a Foundation School in Health at Bassetlaw Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (DBTH) is one of the largest employers in the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw area and is ideally placed to enhance social mobility and make a difference for young people and their families.

Changing demographics nationally and across Bassetlaw will have implications on the ability of the Trust to attract, train and sustain a workforce capable of delivering safe and effective care to a growing population. It is therefore important that individuals are supported in starting their career by being able to access pre-employment opportunities such as work experience and other engagement activities.

This project involved entering a formal partnership with Retford Oaks Academy, a Foundation School in Health. The aim of the partnership is to develop opportunities and widen participation for pupils from the Bassetlaw area wishing to pursue a career in the health service. The project will enable the development of the skills and aspirations of the students so that they, and the wider community, can benefit from the initiative.

Since the launch of the partnership in October 2022, DBTH and Retford Oaks have undertaken a range of innovative activities, including a ‘We Care Into the Future’ event which featured simulated patient journeys and interactive stalls designed to challenge perceptions and raise the aspirations of attendees.

Thirty Health Career Ambassadors have been recruited from the existing workforce at DBTH. These roles will be critical in fulfilling the objectives of the Foundation School in Health and achieving socio-economic growth and better health outcomes in the community, through the provision of career pathways in health and care.

The project will lead to the development of best practice recommendations for other Foundation Schools in Health in other areas.

Download links

• Health Anchors Learning Network case study

Contact details

For more information about this project, please contact Kelly Turkhud, Vocational Education Manager, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.