T -level Adult Health 2025/2026 Maternity Ruby Foy. Ruby chose to do a T-Level course because she knew she wanted to do something that not only had a strong educational curriculum but also that incorporated hands-on learning and environments. After researching T-Levels, she realised that she would have the opportunity to complete a placement at CUH, which she says really appealed to her because not only is it a teaching hospital but also has some incredibly specialised units both in Addenbrookes and the Rosie.
What did a typical day look like in your role?
Most of my placement was spent on the Lady Mary post-natal ward in the Rosie. I would start my day by finding out which Maternity Support Worker (MSW) I would be shadowing that day; we would then go through handover and find out our patients and what their care would entail that day. My days involved completing physiological measurements on the mums, weighing babies, answering call bells, helping with moving patients to different bays or up to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and measuring patients first urination after removing a catheter, but my main task was to do what I was asked and help out the MSW’s and Midwives wherever I could. Throughout the day I always asked questions as this was the best way to expand my knowledge and learn new things.
What did you enjoy about your role and what are your future intentions?
There were many things I enjoyed during my placement at CUH, including working with various members of staff, none of whom made me feel like I was in the way or not needed. They were all happy for me to ask questions and shadow them during their different roles, and I built rapport with both them and patients. I really enjoyed working in a person-centred care way to not only the mums but also the babies, but the best thing about my placement was being able to put into practice everything I had learnt in a classroom and being able to use it on the ward with patients. This not only helped me educationally but also socially to be able to speak to patients in a clinical setting. I would like to become a midwife and work at CUH, working my way up to the highest NHS band level I can.
What advice would you give to others who may be looking to take on a T-Level and how do you think it relates or helps you with regards to further study – Apprenticeship / University?
I would definitely recommend it to others, not only are you able to learn in a classroom setting but also in a practical way in different clinical wards and environments. You have two placements so you can put what you've learnt in to practice in many ways. The placement side of this course also really helps with your roleplay exams as you are able to use what you've learnt in the hospital.
What are the most important skills for life that you have developed in your role?
I think I have developed how to communicate with people and understand how you cannot always communicate with every single person you come across in the same way. Not one person is the same and I think that working at a hospital really puts that into perspective. I also think it gives you a totally different view of life and definitely makes you change the way you interact or speak to people every day.
Where are you now since finishing your qualification?
I am now working as a Maternity Support Worker here in the Rosie Hospital. I finished my qualifications with a Triple B and have started my career here; I absolutely love my job and cannot wait to see where it takes me.
Do you think doing the T-Level and hands on placement helped you in gaining employment with the Trust and if so why??
Yes, definitely. Not only did my placement help me gain employment, I was also asked to apply for a job here as they were impressed with how I had been whilst I was on my placement. I made sure I volunteered for many things, asked questions and tried my best to be involved with the patients care so people would acknowledge me.