BOLTON hospital bosses have launched an ambitious package to attract qualified nurses back into the fold. The Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust "Return to Nursing Practice" package is aimed at boosting its nursing ranks. In common with towns and cities across the country, Bolton has several nursing vacancies which are proving difficult to fill.

Unsocial hours and poor rates of pay have been blamed nationally for the shortfall of staff but Bolton hospital bosses hope the new package of "tempters" will buck the country-wide trend.

The package includes a "hot-line" telephone advice service and financial help for child care and travel while returners undertake a 14-week refresher course.

Support

They also have further training and development back on the wards and departments of the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Telephone queries will be answered by nurse Bernadette Howell who has 10 years nursing experience with the NHS in Bolton - and has four children.

Bernadette has made sure the returners' package is tailored to suit the needs of each individual, both in training content and practical support for people balancing work with the demands of a family.

She said: "It's no secret that there's a national shortage of nurses in the NHS, yet we believe there are many who would like to return to work but perhaps feel they've lost touch, or need flexible hours.

"In Bolton we have put together a really attractive package which will help them find the sort of fulfilling work they seek, and help us find the skilled nurses we need."

Financial support may also be made available for enrolled nurses who would like to convert to the newer "first level" nursing qualification.

A nursing forum for people already working in the NHS or are thinking of it, will be held in the restaurant of the Royal Bolton Hospital on Thursday, February 25, from 3-9pm.

Further information about all these initiatives is available by telephoning Bernadette on Tuesday and Thursday between 10am and 2pm on 01204 390984.

THE Bolton returners' package is being run in conjunction with the University of Salford and the Greater Manchester West Education and Training Consortium of health trusts and authorities and is part of a national drive to encourage more nurses back to work.

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