Government Launches Campaign to Recruit Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
The government has officially initiated the next part of the NHS campaign to hire thousands of nurses and other health professionals. The “We are the NHS” recruitment drive is expected to help recruit 50,000 more nurses as promised in the Conservative manifesto right before the December elections.
In the “We are the NHS” campaign, the government is using social media, video on demand, radio, and a new TV advert to showcase the work of the current NHS staff.
What Makes the “We Are the NHS” Campaign Unique?
This also happens to be the first campaign by the government to target allied health professionals as it plans to hire 26,000 additional primary staff providers that are neither general practitioners, physiotherapists nor paramedics.
Another group that the government hopes to attract are teenagers intending to apply for university as well as individuals switching careers. The objective is to help them find out more regarding NHS careers or register to receive email updates.
Student nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals will also enjoy a new annual £5,000 living cost grant starting September 2020.
Students from regions or specialisms that have a hard time recruiting, like mental health nursing, will receive up to £3,000 in additional payments to cover expenses such as childcare costs.
Are You Ready for a Fulfiling Career in the NHS?
Matt Hancock, the health secretary, encouraged all those who think they have what it takes to consider a career in the NHS as nurses or allied health professionals.
Hancock praised the paramedics for their split-second life-saving decisions and the analysis carried out by radiographers, which is made possible by teamwork, talent, and compassion. In fact, Hancock said that saving and improving people’s lives is one of the most rewarding jobs.
According to Prerana Issar, the chief people officer for the NHS, it is important that other than recruiting the additional 50,000 nurses, that the NHS build a fulfilling and varied career base. It is imperative, according to Prerana to attract world-class service that the patients expect.
Launched in 2018 and at £8 million, the “We are the NHS” campaign is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England. The latest statistics from the NHS show that nurse numbers have increased by 8,570 (from 281,904 to 290,474) between November 2018 and November 2019.
Next Steps
If you are a nurse, switching careers, applying for university admission, or think you have what it takes to enjoy a fulfilling career in the NHS, register on our site and we will help you achieve your dreams.