A GROUP of 75 nurses and midwives from Ireland, Spain and Portugal have chosen to make the life changing decision to move to Wiltshire and begin work at the Great Western Hospital or at one of the Trust’s other hospitals or community teams.

The Trust began a large scale recruitment drive in April last year so that staff could spend more time with patients, providing the personal care and attention they strive for. So far 36 nurses have started their new roles and a further 39 nurses and midwives are due to join throughout January and February.

Over the last nine months 270 nursing and midwifery staff have joined the Trust, which means there are now 96 more nursing and midwifery staff on wards and in the community than last year. There are already 2,611 nursing and midwifery staff caring for patients, but the Trust is still looking to recruit around 50 more.

Oonagh Fitzgerald, Director of Workforce and Education, said: “I’m delighted to welcome our new nurses and midwives. Many more local nurses have chosen to join us and we’ve recruited some really experienced nurses from abroad.

“We’re putting a significant amount of time into getting more staff onto our wards and into the community. However, recruiting nurses in particular is a challenge, due to a national shortage of qualified and experienced nurses. We will continue our efforts to recruit nurses with the qualities we value – kindness, compassion and professionalism – until we have the nurses we need.”

The Trust is currently looking to recruit nurses to work at the GWH and also in the Trust’s community hospitals and healthcare services across Wiltshire. As well as the GWH, the Trust runs many other services including Savernake Hospital in Marlborough, Devizes Community Hospital, the Dietetic clinics at Eldene Health Centre and sexual health services across Swindon.

Oonagh added: “With around 5,500 staff we are one of the biggest employers in the South West and there are few places to work as rewarding. I don’t know if people realise that the NHS offers some great benefits, including 27 days' holiday, a generous pension, flexible working options and training and development opportunities. We also have an onsite nursery at the Great Western Hospital.”

If you're a newly qualified nurse, fancy a change or are looking to return to practice, phone the recruitment team on 01793 604983 or visit the nurse recruitment website to find out more at www.passionfornursing.org.