HOSPITAL bosses are hailing a recent recruitment drive a success after 124 new nurses and 19 new consultants have been appointed since April.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust said the success has been credited to a new 'creative approach' and that they are on target to increase the number of nurses by March 2020.

The recruitment programme has included social media campaigns featuring current employees talking about the benefits of working and living in the Morecambe Bay area to support recruitment of nurses, therapists, palliative care and radiology.

There has also been a focus on recruiting and supporting the development Speciality and Associate Specialist (SAS) doctors, Nursing and close collaboration with recruitment partners, including Health Education England (HEE) to increase staffing levels.

Lyn Hadwin, head of workforce delivery for UHMBT, said: “Our staff turnover remains below both the national average and that of other NHS Trusts locally. This means that since the start of April our net gain is over 94 nurses, making a real difference to front-line staffing levels.

“We have been using international recruitment for a number of years to boost our supply of nurses, and our supportive approach and pastoral care helps the individuals settle, stay and enjoy a good career and life here."

David Wilkinson, director of people at UHMBT, said: “Our aims are to permanently recruit colleagues into posts where possible, to reduce our reliance on agency staff and to ensure that we are a great place to work and a great place to be cared for.”

n To apply for a role visit the trust's recruitment site at www.betterwithyou.co.uk/