A Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire based NHS trust has welcomed 25 student nurses to its workforce in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new nurses have joined Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) which provides mental health, learning disability and a range of community and physical services.
They third year students, who were in their last six months of training and will be known as aspirant nurses, have come from universities across the region including Leeds, Hull, Lincoln and Sheffield.
They answered the national call following a move by Health Education England to allow them to opt-in for an extended placement with their preferred trust, working as employees while still completing their university assignments.
RDaSH welcomed the students, with 11 students working in teams across Doncaster, 9 in Rotherham and 7 in North Lincolnshire.
Helen Wood, an aspirant nurse from The University of Hull, said: “I am looking forward to doing my bit to support the NHS at this critical time and pleased to be working with RDaSH.”
Another Aspirant Student Nurse Katie Bennett from the University of Lincoln, said: “I am very proud to become an aspirant nurse at RDaSH.”
Tia Davies, studying at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “It’s important to remember the impact that the pandemic is having on people’s mental health. This is why I chose mental health nursing and proud to make a difference at this key time.”
Dr Judith Graham, RDaSH Interim Director of People and Organisational Development, said: “Having these aspirant nurses on the wards across the Trust will certainly make a huge difference to us and our patients. I am proud that they have chosen to join us in these challenging times. I am also very proud of our Practice Placement Team for their exceptional package of support to the students.”
Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: “This is incredibly important work. I’m personally very grateful to these inspirational young men and women, and want to thank them for their service.
“I hold the nursing profession in the highest regard. In becoming mental health nurses, these students are adding a massive value to our society, both in the immediate term working on the front line of Coronavirus, and throughout the rest of their careers.
“I know I speak for all of South Yorkshire when I say we are proud of them.”
