A MOVE to encourage more young people to pursue careers within the local NHS is being promoted at a first-of-its kind event in Dumfries this weekend.
Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary will open its doors on Saturday to any and all secondary school pupils with an interest in working in the National Health Service – in anything from nursing to catering, pharmacy to occupational therapy.
Lynne Mann is Acute and Diagnostics Service Improvement Manager, and she said: “Increasingly, we’re going to be looking to recruit to our workforce in order to meet increasing health demands in Dumfries and Galloway.
“We know that many young people in the region may be interested in working in the NHS, and we believe that we offer a great future for those seeking to pursue the many opportunities we can offer.
“On Saturday, almost one year on from when we moved into the new hospital, we’ll be opening the doors of DGRI and issuing a very warm welcome to any secondary school-age pupil and their family who wants to meet representatives from a very wide range of services.
“We’re particularly keen to welcome pupils who are in S1 to S3, and who have yet to select their study options. Experts will be on hand to advise what fields of study and qualifications can best prepare someone to pursue their favoured career path.”
NHS Dumfries and Galloway is one of the biggest employers in the region, with a workforce of over 4000 people.
And a recent study shows that three out of four employees would recommend NHS Dumfries and Galloway as a place to work.
The Open Day on Saturday November 24 from 11 am to 3 pm at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary will showcase all jobs within an acute hospital.
Blood Science Service Manager Martyn McAdam will be one of those on hand to speak to pupils on Saturday, and he said: “There will be an opportunity to hear and talk to professionals from medicine, nursing, Allied Health Professions, laboratories, pharmacy, administration and catering.
“We’ve already had a great deal of interest from people keen to visit the hospital and find out more.
“We’d like as many young people to attend as possible, and if possible to register in advance to as to provide a guide for numbers.”
Anyone interested in attending Saturday’s event is asked to email [email protected]
