Is it an emergency?
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in Ipswich and East Suffolk News, North East Essex News, West Suffolk News
Students looking for paid work, recently retired health workers and people interested in taking the first steps toward a career in medicine are being encouraged to become NHS reservists.
A series of webinars are being held across November to explain how part-time recruits can support local NHS services in Suffolk and north east Essex.
The reservist programme, initiated to help relieve workforce challenges during a time of increased demand, was launched nationally earlier this year.
Now local NHS chiefs are hoping that the local student population, among others, can play their part by stepping forward to offer non-clinical and administrative support.
This could include working as hospital administrators or ward helpers, assisting patients recently discharged from hospital or supporting the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
Sarah Kench, Reservist and Workforce Supply Manager for the Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (SNEE ICB), encouraged anyone looking to work in or return to the health sector to attend one of the webinars.
She said: “We are looking for people who are interested in working flexible hours and who have a passion for working in a caring environment.
“There are a wide range of opportunities available, even if you have no previous experience of working in a caring environment.
“Full training will be provided, and you will be paid in accordance with the going rate for the role you are assigned to.
“Support will also be given by existing full-time staff who you can ‘buddy up’ with before starting any role.”
Although time commitments will vary it is anticipated that NHS reservists will be required for around 20 days each year.
The reservist workforce will enable local health chiefs to create a bank of extra resource for when it is needed.
Amanda Lyes, Director of Workforce for the SNEE ICB, said: “Students looking for paid work experience can play an invaluable role in supporting local health services at a time of unprecedented demand.
“The NHS is a much-loved national institution and would impress any potential employer on a CV.
“But we’re also keen on attracting people who want to dip their toe in the water to see if a career in health is for them and those recently retired from the NHS.
“I urge anyone who wants to help our local health services out by working part-time in a challenging and rewarding environment to attend one of the webinars.
“They will help you understand what is required of an NHS reservist and how working as one can give you a really good foot on the career ladder.”
Please see below dates and times for the forthcoming webinars and individual joining links.
| Date | Time | Join link |
| Tuesday 1 November | 18:00-18:45 | Join the 1 November meeting |
| Tuesday 8 November | 18:00-18:45 | Join the 8 November meeting |
| Wednesday 16 November | 18:00-18:45 | Join the 16 November meeting |
| Tuesday 22 November | 18:00-18:45 | Join the 22 November meeting |
| Tuesday 6 December | 18:00-18:45 | Join the 6 December meeting |
| Tuesday 13 December | 18:00-18:45 | Join the 13 December meeting |
| Wednesday 21 December | 18:00-18:45 | Join the 21 December meeting |
For further information on NHS reservists, or if you are unable to attend one of the webinars, please email sneenhsreserve@snee.nhs.uk.