Thousands of new healthcare support workers are set to join the NHS, following successful recruitment drives across the country.
Since the end of January, NHS trusts reported that almost 35,000 job offers have been made, with over 25,000 already starting as healthcare support workers – with 9000 being new to healthcare.
A nationwide recruitment drive earlier this year saw almost 4000 on-the-spot job offers made to people attending events between March and May to help boost support for patients, families and staff.
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‘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,’ said NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard.
‘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.’
The recruitment campaign, in collaboration with hiring platform Indeed, ran in several major cities across the country with Manchester, London, Bristol and Leeds hosting.
Local careers fairs were aimed at people who don’t currently work in the care sector, people looking to return to work after a break or looking for a career change, with the roles open to those without previous care experience or qualifications.
‘Boosting domestic and international recruitment is vital for our efforts to prepare the NHS for what could be a challenging winter ahead, while we work at pace to bust the COVID backlogs,’ said Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay.
‘Thanks to a nationwide recruitment drive, the NHS is already benefiting from an additional 25,000 healthcare support workers who will ensure patients get the care they deserve and help existing staff to deliver more rapid and effective treatments across our health system in roles such as nursing assistants, theatre support workers and maternity support workers.’