A MAJOR recruitment campaign has been launched by a hospice as it bids to find a medical director and palliative care doctor.
Bosses at St Mary’s, in Ulverston, hope the new drive will capture the attention of qualified clinicians nationwide.
It comes after St Mary’s was last month forced to temporarily suspend admissions to its inpatient unit while it continues its search for a senior doctor.
In response, it has expanded its Hospice at Home team which provides round the clock nursing care to patients in their own homes.
Chief executive Val Stangoe explained there is a shortage of palliative care specialists across the UK – making it imperative to show just how special St Mary’s and its communities are.
“The support we have received from the community and our patients and families since we made the announcement has been fantastic.
“We know palliative care doctors with experience are in short supply. But we feel we’ve got something different to offer here at St Mary’s which is what this new recruitment campaign is helping us to convey.
“We want to make sure potential candidates know that working here means they will be given all the time, resources and support they need to offer the level of care to patients they’ve always wanted.
“We’re also located on the cusp of the Lake District. The quality of life in this area is exceptionally high for anyone thinking of relocating their family,” she added.
St Mary’s has been trying to find an experienced palliative care doctor since May so it could offer continuity of care when a team member leaves in October.
It hopes to secure the services of a medical director, who will help shape palliative future care at the hospice while leading the team of doctors, nurses and health care assistants, as well as a palliative care doctor who will receive all the training training and support required for them to specialise in this area of medicine.
The innovative new campaign is now up and running across a range of media.
It features striking, image-led adverts posted online and in print which highlight the beautiful setting of the hospice as well as the opportunity for successful applicants to enjoy the unique lifestyle offered by the Lake District.
An inspiring social media campaign named #makeyourmove features members of St Mary’s welcoming team and is helping to spread the message far and wide.
The hospice has also partnered with Local IQ in a highly targeted digital media campaign while a specially commissioned video showcases the qualities of the hospice and why south Cumbria is such a fantastic place to live.
Val said: “We made a promise to our teams, our patients, families, supporters and the community that we would do everything in our power to find the right person by Christmas.
“We’ve taken a fresh approach to this recruitment campaign. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever done before.
“We’re hopeful the right person for St Mary’s is out there – and that this is our best chance of reaching them.”
