Thames Valley Nurse Cadet scheme recognised for supporting young healthcare professionals
The scheme supports 16-19 year olds interested in healthcare careers
Four local NHS Trusts have partnered for the Thames Valley Nurse Cadet programme.
The scheme to support young people wanting to work in healthcare has been nominated for a HSJ award for its work so far.
Four NHS Trusts and three higher education institutions work together to give 16-19 year olds their first step into working in a healthcare setting. As well as helping them plan for their future journey.
The TVNC programme has been shortlisted for the Pilot of the Year award, with the winner being announced at the HSJ Value Awards Ceremony in June.
In their awards entry the partners said:
"The project aims to provide a pipeline for our local workforce. Whilst the project has just completed its pilot year, the ambition is for this to be expanded both geographically and to different healthcare settings to ensure that we are meeting the workforce demand within the local population."
Current partners in the programme are Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, The Hazeley Academy, Milton Keynes University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Milton Keynes College, Bucks Healthcare Trust and Bucks Community College.
Holly Lewis is a nurse cadet:
"I became a nurse through my college course, after being shortlisted for an interview for the cadet programme.
"I absolutely love being a nurse cadet it is such a great thing and I love going to placement.
"The programme has helped me gain experience in clinical areas that are hard to get experience in, and its really helpful before I go to university to study adult nursing.
"I feel like this programme has given me the head start I need."
HSJ editor Alastair McLellan comments:
"We would like to congratulate Thames Valley Nurse Cadets on being shortlisted in the HSJ Value Pilot Project of the Year category for the HSJ Value Awards 2021. This year's finalists have not only contributed to the continued fight against the covid-19 pandemic within the NHS but have also been exceptionally dedicated to enhancing healthcare across the UK. We are honoured to be recognising and celebrating their outstanding work after what is, no doubt, the most challenging year in the history of the NHS. We are looking forward to welcoming them to the ceremony in June."