Helen Whately, who was appointed Minister of State in the Department for Health and Social Care in October last year, was welcomed to the college’s Warrington campus by members of the college’s Senior Leadership Team to tour the new facility. Established with a £1m investment from Warrington’s Town Fund and significant support from key partners, including Warrington Borough Council and Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Health & Social Care Academy will upskill those already working in the sector while training the workforce of tomorrow.
As the Minister responsible for adult social care in England, Helen was both interested to see, and very impressed by, the amazing work taking place in the Health & Social Care Academy and the benefits this will bring to the sector. Helen, who was also joined by Andy Carter MP for Warrington South, and other senior guests from the council and the NHS, was particularly enamoured with the Independent Living Flat and the Simulation Hospital Ward – two realistic environments that fully immerse students. Helen had the pleasure of meeting some current level 3 students who shared their experiences so far along with their future career plans.
Helen said: “It was a privilege to meet students at Warrington & Vale Royal College and see them making great use of the new simulation hospital ward and social care flat. These bring the experience of working in health or social care to life.
Students told me about the placements they’re doing in care homes as well, gaining valuable experience to set them up for fabulous careers in health & social care.”
