Posted By Jane Purser Hello, I work in a NHS Trust and am revamping the current policy on work experience. It is current policy for under 16s not to be allowed work expereince in clinical work areas and I cannot find the reason why this is. I am obviously aware of MSLA and YP requirements and guidance (I have copies of relevant info). We do not allow them to work in areas such as harmful radiation, noise/vibration, exosure to harmful agents (toxins, carcinogens etc), work beyond their physical or psychological capability, flammable liquids/gases, asbestos, cold/heat. They are also required to be supervised at all times and are allocated a mentor to work with. The Trust is keen to allow 15 years old school children work experience along with 16 year olds in the same school class. The NHS is desperately trying to encourage people to work with it, and it seems a tad unfair if 15 year olds are not allowed to work in clinical areas but school colleagues who may only be 1 day/1 week older are allowed. Can anyone shed light on this? Cheers Jane Purser

Posted By Bill Elliott Jane - there is a way around this - total ban is not helpful - e mail me if you would like a copy of our policy on how we deal with this