Work experience

Work Experience at East Surrey Hospital

There are over 350 roles within the NHS. Whatever your skills, qualifications, or interests, there is a career waiting for you. At East Surrey Hospital we offer a range of opportunities, including work experience and career events, for those considering a future within the NHS.

 

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare has been one of the few organisations to reopen work experience placements since the pandemic. In 2025, we were delighted to offer over 150 students’ placements across clinical, administrative, and technical areas.

 

We are delighted to offer work experience opportunities across a variety of departments. These placements provide students with a valuable introduction to careers within the NHS. Most are observational in nature, particularly in clinical environments where patient safety and confidentiality are essential. During their time with us, students shadow experienced professionals, witness real-life situations, and develop a clearer appreciation of the skills, commitment, and teamwork needed to deliver outstanding patient care.

Whether you are considering a future in medicine, nursing, allied health, IT, or hospital administration, our programmes offer valuable insight into the day-to-day workings of a busy acute hospital. It’s a chance to explore your interests, ask questions, and see first-hand how each role contributes to the wider healthcare system.

Work Experience Placements 2026

Applications open: Monday 12th January 2026, 9am

Applications close: Monday 25th January (Midnight) 2026

Apply online: Click here to apply: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/xeSuqfHD7T (only available from 12th January 2026)

If you require a paper version of the application form, please email sash.workexperience@nhs.net, and this will be arranged for you on the release date.

We value the enthusiasm of individuals wishing to gain insight into our clinical environment. However, placements are limited due to the demands of patient care and clinical service, which must always remain our top priority.

While we do our best to accommodate as many requests as possible, we are unable to offer placements to every applicant. Each application is reviewed carefully, and opportunities are allocated based on service capacity and staff availability.

We appreciate your understanding and encourage applicants to provide as much detail as possible to support their request.

Placements run between April and October and last 1–5 consecutive days, depending on the department. Placement duration is set by departments and is non-negotiable.

Placements are unpaid and based at East Surrey Hospital, Redhill. The Trust does not cover travel, subsistence, parking, or accommodation costs.

Please be aware that our work experience programme is observational only, designed to provide insight into NHS roles and environments. It is not equivalent to clinical/medical placements required as part of a university or college course.

For other types of placements, please use the following contacts:

• Clinical placements (as part of a university course): sash.clinicalplacements@nhs.net

• Medical placements (as part of a university medical degree): sash.pgec.eastsurrey@nhs.net

• Qualified overseas doctors seeking experience: sash.mrt@nhs.net

For queries relating to volunteering please see the following website: https://www.surreyandsussex.nhs.uk/work-us/volunteering and email sash.volunteering@nhs.net

Eligibility

Students must be aged *16–25 and live in Surrey or Sussex.

*If you're aged over 25 and exploring a new career path within healthcare, we’d still love to hear from you. While our standard placements are designed for younger students, we may be able to offer alternative opportunities or guidance. Please email the team to discuss your options.

Application Process

• Applications open on 12th January and close at midnight on 25th January. Once submitted, your application will be processed and reviewed by the Work Experience Panel.

• You will receive a submission receipt via Microsoft Forms, please take this as receipt of your application.

• You will be advised of the outcome of your application in due course. Please note that you will not receive any updates before 2nd March, and the office will be unable to respond to enquiries regarding application status before this date.

• Successful applicants will receive full details of their placement offer. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified. Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback.

• Please notify us via email if you need to amend or withdraw your application.

• Please submit only one application. Multiple applications will not be accepted and may delay the review process.

Panel Based Review Process

All applications are reviewed by the Work Experience Panel, a group made up of representatives from Learning & Development and relevant clinical departments. This ensures that every application is assessed fairly, consistently, and with patient safety at the forefront.

During the review process, the panel considers several key factors:

• eligibility checks – confirming age, location, and completeness of the application

• departmental capacity – ensuring teams have the staffing and supervision needed to host a student safely in line with clinical pressures and service demands. Placements can only be offered when they do not impact patient care

• quality of information provided – clear, thoughtful applications help departments understand your interests and suitability

• equity and fairness – ensuring opportunities are distributed as fairly aspossible across all applicants

Because multiple departments are involved and capacity varies each year, the review process takes several weeks to complete. This is why updates cannot be provided before the stated notification date.

Placement Departments

Please check back for the specific departments offering placements for 2026.

Restricted Departments

Restricted areas: Maternity, Genitourinary (GU) Medicine, Theatres, Mortuary, Paediatrics.

For patient safety and confidentiality reasons, not all hospital departments are able to host work experience students. Areas that provide highly sensitive care, support vulnerable patient groups, or carry out procedures unsuitable for observation must remain restricted.

This ensures that patient care, safety, and dignity are always protected and remain our highest priority. For these reasons, placements cannot be offered in the following areas:

• Maternity

• Genitourinary (GU) Medicine 

• Theatres 

• Mortuary 

• Paediatrics 

If you’re interested in careers linked to these areas, there are still plenty of ways to explore them through virtual workrelated learning, career events and NHS careers resources.

School Declaration

Due to the high number of placements, we cannot complete individual school forms. Instead, school can request in bulk and we will provide:

• Risk assessment

• Employer liability insurance certificate

• Health & safety policy

These apply to all placements and should be used by schools to complete their records. Each student will also receive a placement confirmation email, which can be used as evidence of the placement.

FAQ

Programme Overview

What is the purpose of the work experience programme? 

Our work experience placements provide students with a meaningful introduction to NHS careers. Placements are primarily observational and allow students to shadow professionals, observe clinical and non-clinical environments, and understand how different roles contribute to patient care.

Will the placement help with my UCAS application? 

Work experience can be a valuable addition to your UCAS personal statement, especially if you are applying for courses related to healthcare, science, social care, or public service. While completing a placement does not guarantee a university offer, it can strengthen your application by helping you demonstrate: 

• motivation for a healthcare career – showing you have explored the profession and understand what the role involves. 

• reflection on real world experience – universities value applicants who can reflect on what they observed and how it shaped their thinking. 

• awareness of NHS values – such as teamwork, compassion, communication, and professionalism. 

• insight into patient care – even in an observational capacity, seeing how staff interact with patients can help you discuss empathy, boundaries, and responsibility. 

We encourage students to focus on what they learned, rather than simply listing tasks or departments. Thoughtful reflection is often more impactful than the length of the placement.

Where can I find more information about NHS careers? 

Useful websites include: 

• Surrey Heartlands Health & Care Partnership

• Studying Healthcare 

• Step into the NHS 

• NHS Health Careers

Eligibility & Applications

Who can apply for a placement? 

Students aged 16–25 who live in Surrey or Sussex are eligible. If you are over 25 and exploring a career change, please email the team to discuss alternative options.

Do you offer placements for medical/clinical students? 

Our work experience programme is designed for school and college students aged 16–25 who are exploring NHS careers. It is not intended for medical / clinical students who are already enrolled in a university programme. Students typically require formal placements that meet specific university learning outcomes, supervision requirements, and assessment standards. These placements are arranged between universities and the Trust’s relevant Education Department, rather than through the work experience team. Please see the following contacts:

• Clinical placements (as part of a university course): sash.clinicalplacements@nhs.net

• Medical placements (as part of a university medical degree): sash.pgec.eastsurrey@nhs.net

• Qualified overseas doctors seeking experience: sash.mrt@nhs.net

For queries relating to volunteering please see the following website: https://www.surreyandsussex.nhs.uk/work-us/volunteering and email sash.volunteering@nhs.net

Application Process

When do applications open and close? 

Applications for 2026 placements open on Monday 12 January (9am) and close on Sunday 25 January (midnight).

How do I apply? 

Apply online using the application form available from 2 January 2026. If you need a paper version, email sash.workexperience@nhs.net.

Can I submit more than one application? 

No. Please submit only one application. Multiple submissions may delay the review process.

How will I know my application has been received? 

You will receive an automatic submission receipt via Microsoft Forms.

How are applications reviewed? 

All applications are reviewed by the Hospital Work Experience Panel, which includes representatives from Learning & Development, Education, and Clinical Teams. Each application is assessed against eligibility, departmental capacity, and the information provided in your form.

When will I hear back? 

You will not receive any updates before 2 March. All applicants will be contacted once decisions are finalised.

What should I do if I haven’t heard back? 

If you have not received an update, please don’t worry, all applicants will be contacted once decisions are finalised. You will not receive any updates before at least 2nd March, and the office is unable to respond to enquiries about application status before this date. Checking your email (including junk folders) regularly is recommended.

Will I receive feedback if I’m unsuccessful? 

Due to the high volume of applications, we cannot provide individual feedback.

Can I amend or withdraw my application? 

Yes. Please email the team if you need to make changes or withdraw your application.

How can I prepare while waiting for a decision? 

While waiting for your outcome, you may find it helpful to explore other NHS career resources, complete virtual work related learning, or begin reflecting on what you hope to gain from a placement. These activities can strengthen future applications and help you make the most of your experience if you are offered a place.

Placement Details

Can I choose my placement dates? 

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide specific dates when you are available. If your application is successful, these dates will be used to match you with a suitable placement within the Trust’s April–October window. Please note that once a placement has been allocated, we are unable to amend the offered dates. We understand that students may have school, college, or work commitments. However, due to the high number of applications and the operational demands of a busy hospital, we are unable to rearrange or customise placement dates.

How long do placements last? 

Placements run between April and October and last 1–5 consecutive days, depending on the department. Duration is fixed and nonnegotiable.

Can I extend my placement? 

Placement lengths are set by each department and are based on staffing levels, supervision capacity, and the need to maintain safe, high quality patient care. For this reason, placements cannot be extended beyond the number of days allocated. We understand that many students would like additional time in the hospital, but due to the high volume of applications and the operational pressures on clinical teams, we are unable to offer extensions or repeat placements within the same year.

Are placements paid? 

No. All placements are unpaid. Travel, parking, subsistence, and accommodation costs are not covered.

Which departments offer placements? 

We offer placements across a wide range of clinical and nonclinical areas. Restricted areas include Maternity, Genitourinary (GU) Medicine, Theatres, Mortuary, and Paediatrics.

Why are placements limited? 

Patient care and clinical service must always come first. Capacity varies by department, and only a limited number of students can be accepted.

Do I need a DBS check? 

No. Observational work experience does not require a DBS check.

Do I need to wear a uniform? 

No uniform is required. Students should wear smart, comfortable clothing and closed toe shoes. Some departments may provide additional guidance. You will be provided with an induction pack with the full dress code regulations.

Meet the Practitioner Careers Event

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust are pleased to host our annual Meet the Practitioner Careers Event, held each November at East Surrey Hospital.

This inspiring evening gives individuals of all ages the chance to explore the wide variety of career opportunities available within the NHS. It’s a unique opportunity to meet healthcare professionals from clinical, non-clinical, and technical departments, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into roles, training pathways, and progression opportunities.

Whether you are a student planning your next steps or someone considering a career change, the event offers a meaningful introduction to how each profession contributes to patient care and the wider healthcare system.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for further details and confirmed dates.

Virtual work-related learning

To promote careers in health and care, Health Education England (HEE) has funded free online work-related learning programmes for students.

Hosted by Springpod, these programmes provide an overview of healthcare careers, help develop key professional skills, and include opportunities to hear directly from NHS staff about their day-to-day work. Students complete assignments and, on finishing the programme, receive a certificate that can strengthen CVs, personal statements, and interviews.

• Nursing - Find out more about Nursing opportunities: https://join.springpod.com/hee-nursing-work-experience/

• Medicine - Find out more about Medicine opportunities: https://join.springpod.com/hee-medicine-work-experience/

• Allied health professional - Find out more about AHP opportunities: https://join.springpod.com/ahp-on-demand-adult-learning-course/

• Healthcare Science - Find out more about Healthcare Science opportunities: https://www.nhse.springpod.com/

Follow this link for guidance on work experience from the Medical Schools Councilas well as additional medical work experience links: https://www.medschools.ac.uk/for-students/applying-to-medical-school/work-experience/

Useful websites

Surrey Heartlands Health & Care Partnership - https://www.surreyheartlands.org/academy

The Surrey Heartlands Health and Social Care Academy bring together workforce planning, education, training, and development opportunities to support current and future health and social care staff across Surrey. 

Studying Healthcare - https://studyinghealthcare.ac.uk/

Studying Healthcare is a partnership between the Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Schools Councils, funded by Health Education England. The site provides clear guidance on applying to medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy degrees, with a focus on widening access. It also hosts an outreach hub offering events and resources from university health faculties across the UK to support students, parents, and schools. 

Step into the NHS - https://www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk/

Step into the NHS is a free careers website helping young people explore over 350 NHS roles. It offers interactive tools, competitions, and real-life stories from staff, giving students, parents, and teachers clear insight into healthcare careers and pathways.

Health Careers Website - https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/

Health Careers is the official NHS careers website, offering guidance on over 350 roles, apprenticeships, training, and live vacancies. It helps students, career changers, and professionals explore pathways, gain experience, and plan their future in healthcare.