Valentine’s Day re-run for West Suffolk Hospital Job Shop

February 5, 2003

The overwhelming success of an innovative approach to recruitment is to be repeated on Friday 14th February, with a re-run of a Job Shop in the foyer of the main entrance to West Suffolk Hospital.

"Our first Job Shop last October was a huge success, with nine people being interviewed and taken on during the day and many more vacancies filled later by those who visited the event," said Angie Manning, Personnel Manager.

With vacancies currently available for many staff groups, including qualified nurses, auxiliary nurses, administrative and clerical staff, health visitors, hotel services staff, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, the hospital has decided to repeat such a successful recruitment initiative.

West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust is particularly keen to hear from anyone who wants to qualify as a registered nurse. Applications are currently being taken for the 3-year course, which begins in September. The number of places available have doubled compared to past years, with over 50 now available.

The Job Shop will be open from 9am to 4pm on Valentine’s Day, and anyone interested in working for the Trust will be able to call in to find out more about specific vacancies and learn about the wide range of roles available. Job interviews will be available during the day.

"The response to our first Job Shop was fantastic. More than fifty people visited because they wanted to work with the Trust. These included qualified nurses, radiographers and an anaesthetist, as well as many others keen to secure employment in one of the support roles which are of such vital importance to the smooth-running of any hospital," added Angie.

Potential recruits will be able to speak to people working in the type of role they are interested in and also find out more about the flexible working patterns operated by the Trust.

"We believe that the best care for patients is provided by a happy and fulfilled workforce. Creating the opportunity for flexible working patterns and introducing family friendly policies is so important in recruiting and retaining valuable staff.

"West Suffolk recently became the first NHS Trust to achieve the Work-Life Balance Standard, which is a significant step towards our aim of becoming an ‘employer of choice’. During the previous Job Shop the popularity of working for the NHS and caring for others was clearly demonstrated by both the numbers who visited and the vacancies that were filled," said Jan Bloomfield, Director of Personnel and Corporate Resources at the Trust.

Anyone unable to attend the Job Shop on 14th February, but interested in working for the West Suffolk Hospital, should contact 01284 713702