Posted on 23rd Apr
Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust – which runs Mansfield Community Hospital; King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton; and Newark Hospital – is saying thank you after seeing a huge rise in recruitment to its bank staff list to help with the coronavirus outbreak.
Since 17th March the trust has successfully recruited 246 workers to the bank staff team, which is used when areas of the hospitals require extra staffing. The extra recruits include 41 registered nurses and 189 health care assistants.
In addition the trust has seen 12 staff return through the bring back staff project and 15 medical students have joined as health care assistants.
Head of rostering services for Sherwood Forest Hospitals, Donna Mariner, said: “It has been brilliant to see so much interest in working for us. We can’t thank people enough for coming forward and helping us during this time.
“I’d like to reassure people that they will get a full induction, which will be carried out whilst maintaining social distancing, and full training and support will be provided for those who need it. All clinical staff have been brilliant at welcoming new members of staff into their teams and everyone has pulled together to look after each other, which has been brilliant to see.”
Practice nurse Melanie Jayne Sturman, who joined that bank staff team, last week said: “I’m loving it. The recruitment process was really quick and the induction was really good under the circumstances and well put together.
“I’ve not worked at King’s Mill Hospital for 11 years but can honestly say I’ve been welcomed with open arms. The staff have been so accommodating and supportive on the wards, nothing has been too much trouble. I came back as I’m now a practise nurse and I felt I could and should do more to help in the current crisis.
“Whilst the prospect of ward work after so long was a little daunting I needn’t have worried, the trust genuinely has some wonderful staff who are worth their weight in gold. I’m loving the experience, many thanks for allowing me to help.”
Health care assistant Jess Liffen (pictured) said: “I’ve recently joined the bank as a health care assistant. I’m a student nurse and the fast track process was really speedy – a very smooth HR process.
“I was drawn to the post as I know the Trust has a good reputation and I know people that currently work there and they have nothing but positive things to say. I was so nervous about starting but have had nothing but positive interactions with new and existing staff. I’ve felt comfortable with the jobs I’ve been given, the training was comforting and I didn’t feel out of my depth. Staff have been so supportive. I’m proud to work with such lovely people.”
Anyone who would like to join the Sherwood Forest Hospitals team can apply for vacancies on the Trust’s website – https://www.sfh-tr.nhs.uk/work-for-us/
