MORE than 100 students attended a careers day at Royal Bourne-mouth Hospital.

The Year 12 students, representing 12 schools throughout the area, attended talks by health experts on Wednesday including psychologists and speech therapists.

Around 20 information stands with interactive activities were organised by staff from different hospital departments including pharmacy, dietetics, orthodontics and radiology.

Ambulatory matron Kelly Spaven, who delivered a talk to the youngsters about life as a nurse, said: “It is really important to host an event like this as it gives young people the ideal opportunity to ask questions and find out more about a career path that interests them.”

And maternity team leader Leslie Connell added: “We have had a good response from students expressing an interest in various areas of maternity.

“An event like this is useful because some pupils express an interest in a certain area but don’t know a lot about it, so we are able to give them the information they need, which may lead to them choosing a completely different path within the NHS.”

The students were given the opportunity to practise resuscitation, test their knowledge and skills with a number of themed quizzes and ask staff questions on their roles.

Among those attending the event was 16-year-old Briony Parker, who said it had been an informative experience and particularly an opportunity to quiz the professionals.

She added: “It has given me the chance to ask questions that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to ask.”