A careers advice charity has condemned the sale of hospital work experience placements for £500, warning it creates an unfair barrier for disadvantaged students applying to medical school. Deborah Streatfield of MyBigCareer described the scheme as 'completely unfair', noting that many pupils lack family connections to secure such opportunities.
The week-long placement is offered by the Chartwell Trust, which runs a private hospital in Essex. A brochure promises 'in-depth insight' into hospital work, shadowing staff, and interview training by qualified doctors. Participants will also rotate through the trust's care homes for children with learning difficulties and elderly patients with dementia.
'Work experience is really important when applying for medicine,' said Mrs Streatfield. 'Many disadvantaged students have no family links to exploit. This scheme is completely unfair.' Her charity plans to pilot unpaid placements with 43 GP practices in Hackney and the City of London.
In a statement, Chartwell Trust directors defended the fee as covering administrative costs and coaching to boost confidence. They called the placement a 'remarkable opportunity' offering exposure to senior management and consultants.
The criticism comes amid concerns that medicine draws too many recruits from wealthier backgrounds. Research from the Medical Schools Council in December revealed that half of UK secondary schools and colleges had not produced a single medical applicant in recent years.
