Health Camp Introduces High School Students to Hospital Careers

Niagara, ON - The news media is invited to attend one or more sessions during March Break (March 10 to 14) when the Niagara Health System (NHS) holds its first ever Health Camp. The week-long Take Care of Your Future Camp, for Grade 11 & 12 students interested in pursuing a career in health care, is a partnership with the Niagara Training and Adjustment Board and the Business Education Council. Altogether, 25 students from a variety of Niagara secondary schools applied and were selected by the school boards to take part in this unique event. There is no cost to the students to participate.

A number of activities, interactive presentations and events being organized throughout the week will give students an overview of the numerous career opportunities available in health care today and in the future. Student activities will take place at Welland Hospital Site and Greater Niagara General Site, as well as at Brock University's Nursing Lab. At an interactive surgical session (Monday afternoon), students will lacerate stuffed ducks and Welland Hospital Site Chief of Surgery Dr. Piotr Koziarz, will guide them through a hands-on suturing exercise.

On Tuesday morning, students will feel first-hand the impacts that some physical disabilities (such as visual impairment, unable to walk, use of just one arm, etc.) can have. On Wednesday, students will apply casts under the guidance of Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Bryan Rittenhouse and Billie-Jo Whitty, Orthopedic Technician. On Thursday afternoon, students will see the Brock University nursing simulation lab, where robots simulate patients to provide hands-on education opportunities to medical/nursing students.

Highlights of the week are as follows:

Mon., Mar. 10 - Welland Hospital Site

Tues., Mar. 11 - Greater Niagara General Site

Wed., Mar. 12 - Welland Hospital Site

Thurs., Mar. 13 - Welland Hospital Site & Brock University

Fri., Mar. 14 - Welland Hospital Site