In wake of the most challenging period in its history and in anticipation of the traditionally busy festive period, tens of thousands of new healthcare support workers are set to bolster NHS ranks following a hugely successful recruitment drive.
NHS Trusts have reported that more than 25,000 support workers have already started in their roles since the start of the year, including 9,000 that are brand new to healthcare.
Around 35,000 job offers were made – 4,000 of which were “on-the-spot” offers – during recruitment fairs between March and May. The campaign was aimed at people who had no experience in the sector or those looking to return to work after a break.
The extra staff were headhunted in campaigns across Manchester, London, Leeds, and Bristol and will look to not only help deal with patient backlog, but to supplement existing staff, ultimately easing their workload and alleviating pressure, as well as supporting the families of patients affected by the tumultuous events of the last couple of years.
Chief Nursing Officer, Ruth May, said: “The last two and a half years have really shone a light on the extraordinary efforts of our workforce, as their skill, professionalism and tireless work made sure that hundreds of thousands of Covid-19 patients received treatment while continuing to care for millions of others.
“I’m delighted we are seeing more people joining us in in healthcare support worker roles – working in the NHS is a fulfilling and hugely rewarding career and I welcome everyone who has accepted an offer to join us.”
Healthcare support workers play a vital role in the health sector – supporting midwives, nurses and a host of other professions across a range of healthcare settings.
NHS Chief Executive, Amanda Pritchard, said: “Healthcare support workers are at the heart of wards, clinics and local communities up and down the country, and I am delighted to welcome every new recruit as they will play an integral part in caring for patients as we continue to make progress on the Covid-19 backlogs and prepare for winter.
“NHS staff are already working incredibly hard with pressure on various fronts and as we prepare for the winter period, additional healthcare support workers will be a huge support in helping deliver the plans we have already set out – from boosting bed capacity to increasing call handlers in NHS 111 and 999.
“It has never been easier to join the NHS team, so whether you’re looking for a career change or just starting out, I would encourage you to look for an event in your area or search ‘NHS careers’ today as thousands of people have done over the last few months.”
In addition to the flurry of recruitment campaigns earlier in the year, the NHS are also looking to inspire the next generation by looking to those about to complete their studies.
Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle host weekend events with secondary school students, which allow them to access the expertise and insight of healthcare professionals as well as first-hand training in the hospital’s clinical education facility.
More information about the NHS’s recruitment campaigns is available here.
