West Suffolk College in Bury St Edmunds invests in state-of-the-art science block and mock hospital ward

A new science block and mock hospital ward are two of the latest big investments that West Suffolk College has made to help improve the learner experience at its Bury St Edmunds base.

Thanks to a mixture of financing from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), T Level and college-matched funding, two new state-of-the-art laboratories were officially opened in September this year.

In addition to this, a mock hospital ward that will be used by those on health and social care courses has just been completed.

Gary Jefferson, the assistant principal at West Suffolk College, said: “We have created two beautiful bespoke labs that are very space age and they will add so much to the learner experience.

“We have capacity for 30 people in each lab at any one time and they will support a whole range of science provision that we offer.”

In addition to the labs, a new mock hospital ward will help those looking for careers in the health service gain hands-on experience of life in this industry.

Naomi Meara, head of health and social sciences at West Suffolk College, said: “We wanted to create as realistic environment as possible. The area allows us to support students before they go out on work placements. We have five bays and it’s like a micro ward.

“This is a practical way of developing skills that simulates the real world. A large variety of T Level and health students will benefit. Ultimately it will provide learners with real-world skills for real -world jobs working with real life practitioners.”

Ruby Nugent, 17, from Lakenheath is on the level three health and social care course. She said: “I really like the new facilities and I think they are going to help me develop my skills and they will allow me to grips with what I need to do in everyday life working in this sector.”

Troy Fayers, 17, from Bury is also on a level three health and social care course at West Suffolk College. Troy, who wants to be a paramedic, said: “I think the facilities will give people a better understanding of what life will be like when they start their career.”

The Workforce & People for Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board have helped sponsor some of the funding for this project. Amanda Lyes, director of the board, said: “We are passionate about supporting local students to be the best they can be.

"We want everyone to work in a job they love and our goal is to be the best sector in Suffolk and North East Essex to work in by 2025.

"The Next Generation Project are working with ambassadors from local Health and Care organisations to enrich the curriculum alongside supporting work experience, employment opportunities and university support. We are excited to see how our partnership progresses over the coming months.”