[T]he NHS in Cumbria is working with staff and local communities in a drive to attract health professionals to the area.
Two NHS Trusts, North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust (NCUH) and Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), are working together with local people to raise the profile of Cumbria and the unique career opportunities on offer.
Last month the Trusts asked the public to support them by sharing photos that show what they love about living and working in Cumbria. They received over 100 entries which will now be used to promote the area to health professionals – such as doctors and nurses.
Stephen Eames, chief executive at NCUH and CPFT, commented: “The response from the public has been fantastic. We know that our staff and local communities are passionate about our NHS and the place they call home, and that’s really come across. The range of photos we have received will help us show just how much we have to offer.”
The photos will be used as part of a new recruitment campaign for the two Trusts. The rural nature of many services in Cumbria provides unique opportunities in terms of development and learning for health professionals. Innovative ways of covering medical roles have been recognised nationally and provide training opportunities unique to the area for experienced clinicians. Advanced nursing roles have also been developed to address gaps in areas such as dementia care.
Amanda Dunkley, attraction lead at NCUH, explained: “Our new campaign looks different to anything we’ve done before and will help us stand out to job seekers. It describes the kind of people we’re looking for in a bold and fun way. We’re looking for innovators, experts, adventures, thrill seekers, explorers, team players… the list goes on. We want to show that we have something for everyone.
“We’ve had to think outside of the box to address our recruitment challenges and that has really paid off. We now have some very innovative roles that aren’t available elsewhere in the country. The development opportunities that we can offer health professionals make Cumbria a really strong choice.”
Lots of changes in health and care services in Cumbria mean there is a greater focus on partnership working and doing things differently to improve patient care. Linda Bennetts, associate director of nursing for mental health at CPFT, said:
“It’s a really exciting time to join us and make a difference. We’re working with the wider health and care system to provide more seamless patient care through Integrated Care Communities or ICCs. As part of this we’ll soon be recruiting to a number of health and care posts that will focus on preventing ill health, empowering people to take care of their wellbeing and keeping people out of hospital.”
The latest recruitment activity builds on work that is already underway. A recent recruitment video showcasing Cumbria has attracted interest from a specialist doctor and a nursing careers fair in November resulted in 25 job offers to nurses in the area. Following the successful recruitment of paramedics from Poland earlier in the year, the Trusts have recently visited to interview doctors and nurses from the country. They also continue to work with community groups to address recruitment challenges.
All NHS jobs in Cumbria are advertised on www.jobs.nhs.uk
