Calderdale College has unveiled a new mock hospital ward and occupational therapy suite that will support students to develop the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to progress onto rewarding careers in patient care.

Our Trust, alongside Calderdale Council and local healthcare providers attended an official launch at the College on Monday, 3rd March, to discover how they can benefit from the new state-of-the-art training spaces.

Thought to be the first of its kind in a Further Education college in England, the pioneering occupational therapy suite is equipped with an operational kitchen and bathroom, along with a ceiling track hoist and stairlift. The unique classroom space will not only serve as a training hub for students but will also be utilised by the council and the people it cares for and supports.

Neeraj Bhasin, Executive Medical Director, attended the official launch, and said: “As a Trust, we are proud to be a part of this innovative work which we hope will encourage students to join our brilliant local health and care workforce.

“It is so valuable for students starting out in their health and care career journey to be exposed to a simulated ward environment, along with interactive learning, to grow and develop their confidence and skills.”

David Malone, Principal and Chief Executive at Calderdale College, said: “Building new healthcare training facilities gives our students the space, technologies and skills to thrive.

“By equipping our future healthcare professionals with practical, innovative learning environments, we’re ensuring that they are prepared to meet the challenges of a demanding but rewarding sector and ultimately improving patient care and outcomes for our local community.

“We offer a variety of pathways into roles such as midwifery and nursing at the College and look forward to seeing our Health and Social Care students become the driving force for a stronger NHS.” 

Read more on the Calderdale College website: Colleges Week 2025 at Calderdale's College | Calderdale College