Inverness College UHI Hosts Cardiac Classroom For Young People

9th October 2009

75 secondary school pupils from across the Highlands gathered at Inverness College UHI yesterday to witness a live coronary bypass operation via video link from the Morristown Memorial Hospital in New Jersey. The event was part of Johnson & Johnson's Bridge to Employment programme, through LifeScan Scotland, to encourage pupils to develop their skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

School pupils in their 4th year from Alness Academy, Fortrose Academy, Invergordon Academy, Inverness Royal Academy, and Millburn Academy were able to take part in this "Cardiac Classroom", which is being run as part of a series of 'STEMINARS' (STEM - Information, Navigation And Revision Sessions) for school pupils, to encourage students to consider a career in the STEM subjects in the future. During the operation students will be able to pose their questions to the surgical team at the Hospital.

Elizabeth Barron, Curriculum Manager for Science and Sport at Inverness College UHI said: "This was a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to witness such an intricate surgical procedure, as well as speak to the surgeons involved, and the pupils found it very interesting. We hope that this experience will encourage their interest in the STEM subjects and inspire the next generation of STEM professionals."

Lorraine Dick, Community Relations Advisor at LifeScan Scotland said: "A key part of our Bridge to Employment programme is being able to access the "Live From Cardiac Classroom" series. This is an exciting opportunity to interact with real life operating room staff during a coronary artery bypass operation. The programme focuses on the surgical procedure, risk factors for coronary artery disease and careers in medicine."