Compact Communications

Context A healthcare career is challenging, rewarding and at the forefront of innovation.These are things young people look for when choosing a career path.Among significant workforce shortages, it is important we attract the next generation of healthcare workers who are inspired, diverse and caring for patients. 1 Methods Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) quarterly offers placements on our Young Visitor Programme (YV) where 16-19-year-olds interested in a healthcare career join teams (medical, nursing and allied health) for 1-5 days as observers.Our selection process promotes equitable inclusion to ensure diversity.Results Between February and October 2023, 191 YVs attended work experience at GOSH.One hundred forty-nine (78%) identified as ethnically diverse, 164 (86%) female and 26 (14%) male.We sent post placement evaluations and received 67 (35%) free-text responses.Most common responses described the enjoyment of 'life as a doctor', patient interaction and learning.Participants were overwhelmingly positive, 60/67 (89%) reported still being interested in a healthcare career, and 64/67 (95%) would recommend the programme.Discussion Our programme has participants from diverse backgrounds and contributes to the NHS aims of widening participation.Early workplace experience provides realistic experiences that encourage young people to pursue healthcare professions.One area for improvement is to increase male applicant application and acceptance rates.Further review to identify limiting factors would be beneficial. ConclusionThe YVP allows young people considering a career in healthcare from diverse background to have real world experience.Our programme demonstrates high levels of positive experience and retention of career aims.