The head of the NHS has called on students considering their options to take up one of the thousands of places available at university for more than 900 NHS-related courses.
Speaking at a hospital in Milton Keynes on A-level results day, Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, encouraged students to ‘make the best and most rewarding decision’ and sign up for a career in the health service.
Thousands of healthcare placements for nursing and other clinical and medical roles are set to be boosted by a £15 million package to bring in 5,000 more healthcare support workers for those considering leaving full time education. The £15 million programme will mean new joiners will receive a fast track induction and training programme to help them hit the ground running as well as receiving pastoral support as they get to grips with working on the front line of the NHS.
While many A-level students have already chosen nursing careers to start this September, others will be reconsidering options and the NHS is calling on students to consider a nursing or healthcare-related degree, with thousands of places available through clearing.
The call comes alongside record numbers of doctors and nurses working in the NHS with the number increasing by over 16,000 in the last year.
Pritchard said: “As students up and down the country collect their exam results over the next few days, I want to encourage everyone who has been inspired by the incredible work of NHS staff to consider a career in the health service.
“Whether you want to study at university, or go straight into work, there are various routes into the NHS and with more than 350 different roles to choose from – including healthcare support workers, podiatrists, porters or midwives – there really is something for everyone.
“It is brilliant to see that a record number of people have applied for healthcare degrees and combined with this additional investment in even more new roles, we are strengthening the NHS workforce and building a strong future for the health service and for our patients. After the last 18 months, I’ve never been prouder to be a part of the NHS, so if you want to join us and make a difference to patients, please search NHS Careers today.”
