A pioneering work experience scheme is making it easier for Bradford youngsters to get a career in the health service.

Health bodies in Bradford have teamed up with national charity Youthbuild to offer young people new routes into the NHS.

Salma Naz is the first person to take part in the scheme and is now undertaking her 16-week work experience placement in the medical records department at St Luke's Hospital in the city - one of the busiest in the country.

The 17-year-old said the programme had opened her eyes to the different roles within the health service.

She said: "Before I came, I thought only doctors and nurses worked in the hospital. The experience I have had has shown me there are many other jobs within the NHS, all of which are vital in helping services to run smoothly."

Salma said she was now more interested in looking for a long-term career in health.

"My time in a busy department like medical records has taught me many things, not least the fact that every member of staff has an important role to play," she said.

"A mistake or delay in getting a patient's medical record to a doctor's clinic, for example, can have a major knock-on effect."

Youthbuild aims to prepare young people for work by teaching them the necessary skills.

Salma went on a team-building residential course in Wales and training courses in IT, literacy and numeracy before starting her placement.

The partnership has been developed through the Positive Images scheme, which is designed to promote health service careers among young people and people from minority communities.

The scheme has been backed by Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Airedale NHS Trust, Bradford District Care Trust, the district's four Primary Care Trusts and the University of Bradford.

Gill Ward, who is co-ordinating the partnership, said: "This is an exciting link-up which we hope will open the eyes of young people to the 70 recognised professions across the health service.

"A lot of work is taking place across Bradford and Airedale to raise awareness of the range of careers the NHS can offer, as well as different access routes into them.

"The link we have forged with Youthbuild adds an extra dimension to these efforts."