TWELVE college students will be working at Warrington Hospital in a ‘unique’ new partnership.

A dozen second-year BTEC health students will be on placement at the hospital two days a week to provide support on wards, including assisting nurses in the general care needs of patients.

The placements come as part of a new partnership between Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Cronton Sixth Form College in Widnes.

Jane Birch, vocational training and skills coordinator at Warrington Hospital, said: “This is a unique partnership and one we hope will continue for many years to come as it offers students a chance to have the hands on element of their learning which will benefit them both in their studies and their future careers.

“The trust also works with the first year students to prepare them for their placements as they progress into their second year of study.

“It is anticipated that this model, which is unique in the north west NHS community, will be rolled out across the region in order to provide additional support for patients and staff at all trusts.

“Both Warrington Hospital and Cronton Sixth Form College are delighted to be able to work together to support students in the first steps towards achieving their career aspirations of a role within a clinical setting.”