From fainting student to clinical lead: Consultant welcomes 70 Students to WUTH’s Intromed Week

A senior doctor who once fainted during her medical work experience at Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH) has welcomed 70 students to the very programme that helped cement the path to her own medical career.

Sally Pennington, Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Cancer Lead at WUTH, is now leading the Trust’s pioneering Intromed Week which offers places to sixth form students from local schools.

She attended the initiative as a 16-year-old A-level student in 2000. During an observational session in theatre at Arrowe Park Hospital, she fainted while watching a spinal anaesthetic, discovering in the process that she had a phobia of needles.

After overcoming her fears and qualifying as a doctor, Sally went on to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynaecology, and joined WUTH as a consultant in 2016. In 2023, she took on the role of Clinical Lead for Intromed, the very same programme that once inspired her.

Sally said: “Attending Intromed at WUTH had a massive impact on my life. As a student, I was interested in medicine but it was difficult to find work experience to get a real insight into a medical career.

“When the chance came up to be in clinical settings with doctors and patients at WUTH, I was thrilled. It inspired me and gave me the confidence that this was the right path for me. That’s why I decided to take on the role of leading the programme, to make sure local students continue to get the same fantastic opportunity I had.

“At the time, fainting in theatre made me wonder if l was really cut out to be a doctor, but later made me more empathetic towards patients who are feeling anxious about their surgery. I also tell students about that experience to help to put them at ease, as clinic environments can feel very daunting at first. It’s important for them to realise that on their journey of learning and development, they will build their self-confidence and resilience.”

Sally took on the role of Clinical Lead for Intromed following the retirement of long-standing organiser Joyce Magennis, who led the initiative for 23 years.

She added: “I want to say a huge thank you to Joyce, both personally and on behalf of WUTH. She has made an incredible difference to young, aspiring medics for nearly a quarter of a century. I’m proud to carry on that legacy.”

Over its 25-years, Intromed Week has evolved into a dynamic and immersive experience, offering students hands-on exposure to a range of healthcare professions. In addition to shadowing doctors, participants now engage with nurses, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals.

The programme includes clinical skills training, giving students practical opportunities such as carrying out basic medical procedures, and sessions delivered by the resuscitation team in adult, paediatric, and neonatal life support.

Adding a creative twist to the week, students also take part in a medically-themed escape room challenge, designed to reinforce clinical learning through teamwork and problem solving.

Sherin Sabu, a student taking part in Intromed 2025, said: “The hospital staff have been amazing. They’ve taken us around a huge variety of places such as dentistry, histopathology, gynaecology and theatres. I got to watch a hip replacement surgery and it was incredible. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

Dr Ranj Mehra, Interim Medical Director at Wirral University Teaching Hospital, added: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the teams involved in running our Intromed Week. Our staff have gone above and beyond to create a truly inspiring and educational experience. These students represent the future of the NHS, and we are proud to support their journey.”

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Photos :

Header: Joyce Magennis (left) and Sally Pennington (right)

1. Intromed Clinical Lead Sally Pennington in Theatre

2. Intromed Student Sherin Sabu with Anaesthetic Nurse Emma Vaughan

3. Group of Intromed Students in Theatre (from left Honor, Sherin, Piyush)