Dearne Valley College Welcomes Secretary of State for Defence, The Rt Hon John Healey MP
On Friday 3rd October, Dearne Valley College was delighted to welcome The Right Honourable John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence and MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, to tour our College’s outstanding Health Suites and Animal Care department.
During his visit, Mr Healey met with students and staff who proudly showcased some of the College’s most advanced learning environments and training technologies.
The visit began in the Health Suites, where he was introduced to the College’s innovative AI patient simulators – ALEX and GERi – which provide students with realistic, hands-on experience in healthcare practice. They bridge the gap eerily well between older methods using mannequins, and living patients to help students adjust to working wards.
ALEX, an “intelligent patient communication simulator”, enables students to practise bedside manner, assessments, and decision-making using natural, AI-driven responses. Illnesses can be programmed in and ALEX will respond with appropriate symptoms. GERi, a geriatric patient simulator, helps learners develop specialist skills in caring for older adults, including monitoring vital signs and performing complex clinical procedures.
These simulators are part of Dearne Valley College’s newly designed ward environments, developed in consultation with experienced NHS professionals to ensure students train in spaces that accurately reflect real healthcare settings.
Mr Healey then toured the Animal Care facilities, where he met a wide range of resident animals. Alongside Amber the Armadillo, staff and students introduced him to the sugar gliders, chinchillas, meerkats, and even demonstrated a terrapin receiving medicine.
The visit highlighted how students gain practical, industry-relevant experience through hands-on learning with live animals, helping them prepare for future careers in animal management, zoology, and wildlife conservation.
During the visit, Mr Healey discussed the important role Dearne Valley College plays in raising aspirations across our region, expanding access to higher education, and equipping local students with the skills, confidence, and experience needed for successful employment skills we refer to as “Skills for Employment”.
He spoke with students about their studies and ambitions, recognising the value of the college’s industry-aligned curriculum in preparing learners for real-world careers. For students, the visit provided an exciting opportunity to showcase their skills.
We welcomed the opportunity to demonstrate the innovation, dedication, and progress taking place within the Dearne Valley College. As well as sharing our ongoing commitment to investing in cutting-edge facilities and delivering career-focused education that meets the needs of both students and local employers.
To discover more about our Health and Social Care and Animal Care courses, or to explore our outstanding facilities, visit www.dearne-coll.ac.uk.