A MOTHER and son signed up to become healthcare assistants during a recruitment day arranged by nurses at Glan Clwyd Hospital. 

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), which currently has a staffing problem, managed to recruit 23 people following the event on Saturday, November 12.

Five new nurses, including some from out of the area, were snapped up. Other people were taken on as apprentice healthcare assistants or healthcare assistants.

It is understood the health board are desperately short of healthcare assistants; it is a route into nursing for those who may not qualify or, for whatever reason cannot, take the university route.

Jane Woollard, associate director of nursing at Glan Clwyd Hospital, said: “It was a great day and we’re delighted we managed to recruit so many staff in one go [subject to the usual checks]. The event went really well.

“What was evident was the really positive atmosphere and the enthusiasm of those who attended. There’s obviously a lot of good feeling out there for local health services.

“It’s heartening to know there are so many people out there who want to look after our population and support the hard working staff who already do so much for our patients.

“Healthcare and nursing is a really rewarding vocation and I would urge anyone who wants to start their career with us to look out for details of our next event, online and in the local media.”

The day was aimed at those who were aged between 18 and 25 and who had an interest in healthcare. Newly qualified or experienced nurses were also invited to attend. 

Those who attended received a goodie bag and got to speak to professionals from a variety of specialties.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ms Woollard said: “Nursing is a tough job, though really rewarding, and the support given by our healthcare assistants is vital. We need more and we can offer on the job training and career advancement to those who want to make it their vocation.

“We’ve seen healthcare support workers make that transition into Band 5 nursing and it fills us with pride to see their progression."

BCUHB has been too reliant on locum and agency staff which in turn, has led to staffing problems. This is similar to most health boards in Wales.