The NHS hopes to encourage more people from a variety of backgrounds and professions to join the service, with the launch of its NHS Careers 2005 advertising campaign.
The campaign follows on from last year’s successful ‘steps’ campaign by highlighting the range of roles across the NHS for people of all ages and qualifications.
It uses the same television campaign seen last year as well as new press adverts highlighting how many people can be involved in caring for one patient.
This year’s campaign targets ethnic minority groups and particular professions such as midwifery, radiography and mental health nursing, where there are many opportunities.
Health minister John Hutton said: “We are confident that the new NHS Careers campaign will build upon the success of last year’s campaign, which enabled 94,000 people to find out more about working for the NHS in the 11-week campaign period.
“Initiatives such as flexible, family-friendly working practices, access to childcare, ongoing training and development and the new improved pay structure of Agenda for Change are attracting new entrants and encouraging existing staff to stay with the NHS.
“We believe that by promoting the huge variety of roles and benefits to workers available within the NHS, through high profile campaigns such as this, we will continue to increase the numbers joining or rejoining the workforce,” Hutton added.
Hutton also announced a new partnership agreement between the Department of Health, Jobcentre Plus and the Department of Work and Pensions.
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The partnership aims to make Jobcentre Plus the NHS recruiter of choice and will help ensure local people of all backgrounds have access to NHS job opportunities.