Harefield Heart Hospital Visit

Writes Yuvraj B (L6ths)

The day started with a series of morning lectures where we were introduced to some of the most common heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease. The session began with a helpful recap of the heart’s structure, which set the stage for our understanding of the diseases. It was fascinating to learn about how these conditions develop and the impact they have on people’s lives. The lecturers also gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the management of a hospital and how different departments work together to ensure patients receive the best care possible. My personal highlight was seeing one of the stents in real life, particularly the atrial stent which contained a valve within its structure!

The afternoon sessions were even more hands-on, with a focus on CPR and defibrillator training. As part of a small group of four, I was fortunate to visit the hospital’s training facilities and participate in a reenactment of a real-life scenario where we had to perform CPR and use a defibrillator. This practical experience was invaluable—it really brought home how crucial it is to stay calm and act quickly in an emergency situation. Learning these life-saving skills gave me a new appreciation for the work of medical professionals and the importance of knowing how to respond in a crisis.

The day wrapped up with valuable networking with hospital staff, allowing us to ask questions and hear about different career paths in the healthcare field. It was inspiring to see the dedication of everyone working at the hospital and to think about the possibility of pursuing a similar career in the future.

Overall, the Harefield Heart Day was a unique and enriching experience that gave us not only a deeper understanding of heart-related diseases but also practical skills that could one day help save a life.