NHS launches renewed recruitment drive

Health Education England is a key partner in a renewed NHS recruitment drive being launched today (11 November) as the health service contends with the second wave of Covid-19. 

The professionalism and dedication staff have shown throughout the pandemic has generated unprecedented interest in joining the NHS, as witnessed by a huge surge in visitors to HEE’s NHS Health Careers website.

The ‘We are the NHS’ campaign aims to increase applications for both degree courses and direct entry jobs, seeking to build upon the existing 1.2 million-strong workforce and to shine a light on the incredible work they do.

It will share real stories from nurses, allied health professionals and healthcare support workers who are proud of their careers in the NHS in adverts across TV, radio and billboards.

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

“I'm exceptionally proud of being a nurse and am thrilled that so many others feel the same way; in 2020 we've had a quite phenomenal number of applications onto registered nursing programmes.

“Growing the healthcare workforce is key to ensuring patients and the public have high-quality, safe care. Showcasing the inspiring nurses, allied health professionals and healthcare support workers who feature in this campaign will mean that the very best people continue to be attracted to these important roles.”

Child, adult, learning disability and mental health nursing, along with midwifery and the allied health professions, all require a degree. Nurses can specialise in a variety of areas, with responsibilities ranging from the performance of some medical procedures to the development of treatment plans for patients.

An equally broad range of roles are available within allied health professions, including podiatrists, physiotherapists, prosthetists and occupational therapists.

The NHS already has more than 100,000 healthcare support workers (HCSWs) who provide a vital role in ensuring patients receive the best possible care while feeling comfortable, dignified and supported. They work across a range of settings including mental health, midwifery, and in learning disabilities care. You can start a career in healthcare support with GCSEs and by demonstrating the NHS values such as care and compassion.

Search NHS Careers for more information and to find out more about the nursing, allied health professionals, and healthcare support worker roles available within the NHS: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/