Pupils watch US kidney swap from Inverness

Secondary school pupils from across the Highlands witnessed a live kidney transplant via video link from the US last week.

The event was held at Inverness College UHI where more than 70 students had the opportunity to put questions to the surgical team at the Liberty Science Centre of New Jersey.

The close-up surgery was part of Johnson & Johnson’s Bridge to Employment programme, through Inverness-based LifeScan Scotland, to encourage pupils to develop their skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and consider careers in these fields.

LifeScan Scotland community relations manager Lorraine Dick said: “We are delighted that Johnson & Johnson have chosen Inverness College UHI for their Bridge to Employment programme.

“The programme is designed to inspire young people to look at science as a possible career option. Live surgery links give young people a real experience of what it might be like to work in the medical field and I am really pleased that this event was so successful.”

Science and Sport at Inverness College UHI curriculum manager Elizabeth Barron said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to witness such an intricate surgical procedure, as well as speak to the surgeons involved, and the pupils found it very interesting.

“We hope that this experience will kick-start their interest in science and inspire the next generation of medical professionals.”