St Sampson's Reception class visited St Sampson’s Medical Centre for a school project. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0960791)

STETHOSCOPES, blood pressure monitors and electric beds were just some of the medical devices St Sampson’s Primary children got to test out yesterday.

Twenty-one from the Reception class visited St Sampson’s Medical Centre as part of this term’s work.

The ‘People who help us’ project has seen police, the Fire and Rescue Service and dentists visit the children at the school but this was the first time the pupils had taken a trip outside the classroom.

Teacher Diane Thorogood said it was a vital part of the project.

‘Children always go to the doctor’s surgery when they are poorly, so it’s nice for them to go when they are well and they can learn not to be afraid of the environment and equipment,’ she said. ‘We chose this topic because there are so many links with the local community.’

As part of their tour, the children had a look around the nurses’ room.

Sister Linda Campbell demonstrated how some of the equipment worked. The children were also shown the pharmacy.

Sister Campbell said the children enjoyed having a look around.

‘This is the first time we have done something like this and the children have been fascinated.

‘It’s good for them to be able to come when they are well and to give them a positive experience.’

Laurie Prevel, 5, had a chance to listen to his heartbeat through the stethoscope.

‘It’s was good to see the equipment and listen to my heart,’ he said. ‘I would like to come again.’

The children will visit the Princess Elizabeth Hospital for their project later this term.