The country’s top nurse, most senior doctor and the leader of other health professionals have issued a joint call for people to consider joining the NHS.
Marking the 73rd anniversary of the service’s foundation, Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer, Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, and Suzanne Rastrick, the NHS’s Chief Allied Health Professions Officer, have written an open letter urging young people preparing for the world of work and others contemplating a career change to think about joining the ‘biggest care team in the world’.
The health chiefs note that 200,000 people have joined the NHS to do their bit as the coronavirus pandemic has shone a light on the amazing work of its staff.
Applications for medical degrees have also jumped by a fifth to 28,690 and those for nursing degrees have risen by a third to 60,130.
Sir Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive, said: “During Covid-19, NHS staff have once again shown their exceptional skill, dedication and compassion. While there’s no doubt that this year has been incredibly tough for everyone, the response of NHS staff has been a beacon of hope, reassurance and optimism for the whole country.
“It’s therefore no surprise that the inspirational example of frontline health care staff delivering care throughout the pandemic has prompted thousands more not just to volunteer their support, but to kick off their own career in the NHS.
“Speaking personally, I know that joining the NHS over thirty years ago is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and today – as we mark the 73rd birthday of the NHS – we invite others thinking about their career choices to join us. Because a career in the health service – in one of the hundreds of vital roles on offer – is a positive and life-changing way of making a big difference to the health and happiness of people across the country.”
In their letter, the health chiefs say: “With the pandemic response entering the recovery phase and as we tackle new challenges like long Covid, the NHS is looking for more talented and committed staff who will go the extra mile for patients and their families.
“As the NHS marks its 73rd birthday, we are asking young people wondering what path to take, and anyone thinking about a career change, to consider joining us. There are more than 350 different roles on offer and whichever one you pick – while we cannot promise it will always be easy – it will be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make.
“So, as we look back with pride on 73 years after the toughest time in our history, and forward to the future, we urge you to consider joining the biggest care team in the world. Please search NHS Careers online today.”
