A HEALTH care student born with four kidneys and connecting tubes ‘that looked like Spaghetti Junction’ is well on the way to living her dream of becoming a paramedic.
“I want to help people and ride in the front of the ambulance not the back,” said Darlington College T-Level health and social care student Charley Heseltine at the official opening of a new healthcare hub.
The 17-year-old, of Middleton-St-George, has undergone 10 operations over the years for kidney issues and for Madelung's deformity which results in malformed wrists requiring surgery.
“I was born with four kidneys, two of which aren’t fully formed and it’s like Spaghetti Junction down there,” she said. “When I was seven I fell off a bench trying to put the star on the Christmas tree and broke my wrist which is when I was diagnosed with Madelung's deformity. I’ve had about ten operations but it shouldn’t affect me being a paramedic.
“The Darlington College course is amazing and the new healthcare hub is fantastic. Everything is so practical which is how I learn best and I love it.”
Classmate Scarlet Wilson, 16, of Darlington, added: “The course is amazing as are the facilities, the experiences and the skills you learn. It is so different from school. It is fun to learn and we have so much freedom.”
Charley and Scarlet were among a number of students helping staff show visitors, including Darlington’s Mayor and Mayoress Bob and Margaret Donoghue, the benefits of the new hub, which recreates a hospital ward, nursing home setting and GP surgery, each occupied by hi-tech interactive AI mannequins.
The state-of-the-art facility has been financed thanks to the Tees Valley Local Skills Improvement Fund, which supports the implementation of the Local Skills Improvement Plan, led by the North East Chamber of Commerce and funded through the Department of Education.
Curriculum manager for health, childcare, public services and science Mick O’Reilly told guests: “It is a fantastic bespoke learning space for our lecturers and students where they can develop their practical and communications skills. We have tried to make it as accurate as we can with medical grade equipment and we are really proud of what we have achieved.”
The Mayoress said she was a former nurse who retired after 48 years’ service. “It is heart-warming to see facilities like this.,” she said. “They are essential for students to learn the skills they need before they can help real patients.
“I think being a health care professional is an absolute honour and a privilege as you meet so many people whose lives you change. They never forget the care they have received.”
Deputy leader of Darlington Council Chris McEwan added: “Facilities like these are critical in developing the next generation of the workforce. When I joined the NHS in the 1980s we never had anything like this.”
Helen Porritt, careers lead for Risedale School, Hipswell, near Catterick Garrison, said many Year 11s were interested in health and social care careers and Darlington College was a ‘great next step’.
“We know this is going to be a big recruitment area in the next five to ten years as the population grows older,” she said. “Young people aren’t sure exactly what they want to do and the course, the new facilities and the hands-on experience will be so helpful.”
For more details of opportunities at Darlington College visit www.darlington.ac.uk.