Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is encouraging school pupils, college and university students who are considering their future career choices, and anyone thinking about a career change to come along to their Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) careers insight event on Saturday 11 March.

The event will take place at the Medical Education Centre at North Devon District Hospital, (Level 1), Barnstaple EX31 4JB between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

AHPs cover 14 different roles, of which eightt are available as a career choice at the Royal Devon Northern services, these are:

• Podiatrists
• Dietitians
• Occupational therapists
• Operating department practitioners
• Orthoptists
• Physiotherapists
• Radiographers
• Speech and language therapists

At the event, attendees will get the chance to meet people who work in these roles, see demonstrations and learn about the benefits of working for the NHS. They’ll also be able to find out which college and university course choices are required for each profession, as well as the different career routes available such as apprenticeships and training posts, where you learn while you earn.

Attendees will also find out about work experience, shadowing opportunities and support with university applications.

Quita Chugg, AHP Workforce Lead at the Royal Devon, said: “We’re looking forward to meeting people of all ages who want to learn more about the brilliant range of roles that fall under the Allied Health Professionals umbrella. These roles, in their different ways, care for, rehabilitate and support patients to lead as full a life as possible, and provide a rewarding and fulfilling career where you can make a difference.”

Fiona Crotty, Lead Orthoptist for School Vision Screening, added: “What’s great about being an Orthoptist in North Devon, is the endless variety. No two patients are ever the same, seeing different age groups (adults, children and babies), being able to work out what the problem is and then deciding how best to manage or treat it. It’s a really rewarding career but perhaps one that people aren’t so aware of.”

For more details about the Allied Health Professionals careers event, and to register interest in attending, visit: https://bit.ly/RD_Events