A new recruitment drive at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital is being spearheaded by a mix of newly qualified nurses and those returning to the profession.

The hospital was placed in special measures after critical reports from health watchdogs the Care Quality Commission and Monitor.

And maintaining staffing levels to an acceptable level was one of the conditions imposed on the Queen Elizabeth Hospital King's Lynn NHS Foundation Trust by the CQC.

A recruitment drive was held last year and it has been relaunched in 2014. Deputy director of nursing and patient experience, Valerie Newton said: 'We are looking to recruit another 50 nurses from local universities, nationally, through our return to nursing course, and potentially from overseas.

'The reports last year had concerns about staffing levels, which have increased significantly since then. Since October we have met the minimum standard ratio of one nurse to every eight patients during the day, and one to 11 at night.

'But we want to look forward and highlight to people how great it is to work here. There may be people out there who have never worked at a hospital before. We want them to call to find out about the opportunities. There is a really good career structure here, you get immense job satisfaction and it's a privilege to look after patients.'

Sue Green, from Brancaster Staithe, is manager at the Terrington short stay ward at the hospital. She took a break from nursing to raise her children, after qualifying in 1978. She returned to nursing 10 years ago and said: 'It was the best thing I have ever done. Nursing was in my blood. I actually cried the day I put my uniform on again. I would urge any nurse who has left the profession to come back on our return to nursing course. The support you get is phenomenal. I'm a better nurse now than before because I have more life experiences. Though we are in special measures, people need to know that we do give the best care to our patients.'

Katy Warren, from The Fairstead, a newly qualified staff nurse, said: 'If someone told me at 18 that I would be a nurse, I would have laughed in their face, but going into health care was the best thing I ever did. If you are passionate about learning, it's a brilliant opportunity to gain life experiences and learn about people.'

Call Valerie Newton on 01553 613613 ex 3582 for more information.

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