The Capital’s former nurses and midwives targeted in new return to practice campaign

A new campaign aimed at getting London’s former nurses and midwives back into the NHS kicks off today.

Health Education England in partnership with NHS England and Improvement are spearheading the campaign to attract former nurses and midwives back caring for patients in wards across London. The campaign will run until the end of September.

Returners will be fully supported on every step of their journey back into the NHS workforce. They will have access to experienced NHS staff who will be on hand to help them find the most appropriate RTP courses, placement providers or employer.

Professor Mark Radford, Chief Nurse, Health Education England said:

“We have seen a renewed interest in people wishing to pursue in career in nursing including from those looking to return to our profession. There are many reasons why nurses may leave the profession, including family and caring responsibilities. We are looking to support those who are keen to come back but perhaps don’t know that they can or how to get started. We will support them through the steps required to enable them to re-join the profession and  take up roles in health and care. “

Jane Clegg, Joint Regional Chief Nurse, London, NHS England and NHS Improvement:

“This is an opportunity for nurses and midwives to return to support London’s NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.

We had a great response to our previous campaign and are now hoping to attract back nurses and midwives for the longer term, with a particular focus on those in their 30s and 40s. We have a dedicated resource to help match people to suitable opportunities that work for them and their families, such as flexible working.

By returning to practice, nurse returners will ensure that patients in London have access to high-quality, safe care when they need it most.”

It is hoped that some returners will be ready to go straight back into practice as early as next month while others will need to do complete the return to practice training course and start in the New Year.

The roles will be permanent and will fill regular nursing and midwifery vacancies across the city.

Nurses interested in returning can find more information at www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/rtp-london