Tens of 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 9,000 being new to healthcare.
A nationwide recruitment drive with Indeed earlier this year saw almost 4,000 “on-the-spot” job offers made to people attending events between March and May to help boost support for patients, families and staff.
The recruitment campaign, in collaboration with hiring platform Indeed, ran in several major cities across the country with Manchester, London, Bristol and Leeds hosting. Events were also held at Southampton and Billericay.
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.
Healthcare support workers undertake hundreds of vital roles within the NHS, helping to support patients through their treatment and assisting nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals in a wide range of healthcare settings.
As the health service prepares for winter, NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard welcomed the new recruits and said they will be at the “heart of wards, clinics and local communities” supporting existing NHS staff in caring for hundreds of thousands of patients every single day.
The NHS has already set out steps to prepare for winter including through boosting bed capacity and increasing the number of call handlers working in NHS 111 and 999.
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.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “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.
“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.
“A career in health can be incredibly rewarding, and I would encourage anyone who is interested to search ‘NHS careers’ to find out more about opportunities in their area.”
Search ‘NHS Careers‘ to find out more.
