Pictured, from left, Gemma Offland, Sister Fiona Farrington (Clinical Practice Facilitator at SaTH), Katy Preece and Joy Aloner. Not pictured, Nicola Perks.
Four Health Care Assistants from The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) are taking part in a four year course to become qualified nurses.
Nicola Perks, Katy Preece, Joy Aloner and Gemma Offland are continuing to work part-time in their current posts while also spending 15 hours a week undertaking clinical placements through an Open University programme.
A total of 10 places across Shropshire have been funded from Health Education West Midlands via the Local Education and Training Council.Nicola Perks, Katy Preece, Joy Aloner and Gemma Offland are continuing to work part-time in their current posts while also spending 15 hours a week undertaking clinical placements through an Open University programme.
Sister Fiona Farrington, Clinical Practice Facilitator at SaTH, who will be providing support to the students, said: “We are delighted about this new venture. It has provided our staff with an excellent opportunity to help achieve their lifetime ambition to become a nurse, something which was not previously possible through more traditional nurse training routes.
“It is also great for the Trust as it means we benefit from retaining the knowledge, skills and expertise they already bring to their current posts.
“All four students are thrilled to have been selected to do the course. They recognise it will involve a lot of hard work and commitment, but are motivated and ready to start this exciting journey.”
Nicola Perks is currently a Health Care Assistant (HCA) on Endoscopy Ward at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford, Katy Preece is currently a HCA on the Acute Medical Unit at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH), Joy Aloner is currently a HCA on Ward 25 at RSH and Gemma Offland is currently a HCA on Clinic 10 Opthalmology at RSH.