The heavens opened as we walked to the hospital but all that was forgotten as we were warmly welcomed and led through a whirlwind of activities at the Imperial College Clinical Research Facility.

The girls took part in a clinical trial of chocolate which was popular. They found out how well they wash their hands (generally not very good) and learned how to do it properly from a scientist who is researching the topic for his PhD. They also found out just what hard work it is to do CPR on a mannequin. The doctors emphasised that it was better to crack a rib than not push hard enough, and that you might need to keep going for 20 minutes! Getting help straight away is vital. The girls also had a chance to meet the very wide range of people working in clinical research. It turns out that there are many ways to work in health care besides becoming a doctor. All in all it was a very enjoyable and informative afternoon out.

Take a look throguh the slideshow below to see Misha is having her resting energy budget measured by analysing the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide she breathes out. In the other pictures, girls are having their vital signs measured – heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation – and learning about what they mean.