A visit to Alberta in Canada to explore health care services and education has been highly beneficial for Coleg Ceredigion students and staff.
Funded by Taith, the visit saw health and social care students join access to higher education health sciences students, to immerse themselves in the healthcare education system at NorQuest College - leaders in healthcare studies.
The visit was designed not just as an academic exercise but as a holistic exploration of healthcare practices and indigenous studies.
Sara Jones, lecturer in health science at Coleg Ceredigion said: “Despite its vast geographical expanse, Alberta is a region that shares many similarities with Wales in terms of population, challenges in rural and remote care delivery, indigenous perspectives, and healthcare budget constraints.
“Over the year, students have delved into the intricacies of funding and operations within our health and social care systems, pinpointing the unique challenges associated with delivering these essential services in the rural regions of mid-Wales.
“To further enrich their understanding of international healthcare practices, the students were provided with an opportunity to travel overseas to visit an international partner college and to investigate challenges that are also experienced in healthcare service delivery in other areas of the world.”
Over the eight days, students took part in getting-to-know Edmonton activities, visited Métis Crossing exploring the indigenous Métis community and gaining insights into indigenous health practices.
Students spent five days of academically intensive days at NorQuest College and its surrounding healthcare facilities where they were exposed to the intricacies of healthcare education, indigenous health services, and simulated healthcare environments at the Olson Centre for Health Simulation, which uses simulation to improve patient safety, quality of care, health care, and human services education.
Further visits included the Alberta Legislature Building and the Telus World of Science, enhancing the group’s understanding of political history, science, and technology in healthcare.
Sara Jones added: “The trip unfolded over eight eventful days, each contributing to a rich tapestry of experiences that went beyond traditional classroom learning.”
Since the visit to Alberta, the team at Coleg Ceredigion has hosted NorQuest College’s Faculty of Health Studies staff and Licenced Practical Nursing and Healthcare Aide students.
The college helped facilitate the Canadian college’s exploration of healthcare education and health service delivery in mid-Wales.
This reciprocal visit, funded by Taith, aimed to foster mutual learning and collaboration between the Welsh and Canadian institutions and involved the Future Workforce team at Hywel Dda University Health Board (HDdUHB) who assisted and provided visitors with a tour of Bronglais Hospital.
Student Beci Harrison said: “Not only are the landscapes breath-taking and everyone that we met were friendly. NorQuest College in Edmonton provided us with an enriching educational experience that was truly amazing, an unforgettable experience”
Courtney Jones added: “Exploring some of the stunning landscapes of Alberta was a truly amazing experience, and immersing myself in a different lifestyle and culture proved to be incredibly educational. Additionally, learning about the distinct healthcare system and the unique challenges it faces in Alberta was particularly enlightening.”