Student nurses start career on wards

Eighty new student nurses start training this month at East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s five hospitals – as part of the trust’s long-term nurse recruitment programme.
East Lancashire new nurses. (S)East Lancashire new nurses. (S)
East Lancashire new nurses. (S)

The new nurses – who began their nursing studies last September at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) – will work on wards at Burnley General Hospital, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Clitheroe Community Hospital and Accrington Victoria Community Hospital as well as Pendle Community Hospital.

NHS community facilities including Nelson Yarnspinners and St Peter’s Centre in Burnley will also receive new student nurses.

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Chief nurse Christine Pearson said: “We welcome all our new student nurses and wish them well in their careers here in East Lancashire.

“It is important that the public know of the trust’s determination to ensure a safe and effective number of nurses on duty at all times so they have confidence in the services being provided in our hospitals and in the community.”

For the next three years, the 69 new adult nurses and 11 children’s nurses will split their time working 50% on ward duties and 50% studying for their nursing degree at UCLAN. In all, there are currently 290 student nurses completing their training at ELHT.

In preparation for starting ward duties, the new nurses took part in a welcome event at Burnley General Hospital to ensure each new student nurse understands the Trust’s commitment to providing safe, personal and effective care for every patient.

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The Trust welcomes two intakes of student nurses every year – one in January and the other in September. Their studies last for three years.

“As more nurses choose to build their career with East Lancashire Hospitals, the Trust can reduce the number – and cost - of nurses we need to employ through agencies,” added Christine.

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