YOUR COMMUNITY HOSPITAL NEEDS YOU!
I’m specifically referring to the national shortage of nurses, nowhere felt more keenly than in Dorset.
High house prices, particularly in Purbeck, which, like Portland is relatively isolated, are not exactly enticing.
As a result, Swanage and Portland hospitals are struggling to recruit the nurses they need, especially the newly trained.
Yet the rewards are great.
Donna Kiss, Matron of Wareham and Swanage Community Hospitals, says: “There’s a sense of ownership here. Working in your home town in your home hospital gives so much satisfaction.”
The hospital offers a wide range of day surgery, specialist outpatient clinics, rehabilitation and a minor injuries unit, with chances for nurses to work both on the ward and in the community.
And while a recruitment drive is underway in London, Donna would also like to attract local, former registered nurses, who have taken career breaks.
Uniquely, the Friends of Swanage Hospital have agreed to fund nurses through the Return to Practice course, run by the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
In addition the hospital offers term-time contracts, allowing mothers to work around school hours.
It’s a surprisingly flexible environment and Donna warmly encourages any interested nurses to drop in and see what’s available.
While Swanage appears likely to retain its beds, the fate of Portland Hospital is unclear.
A consultation on future healthcare provision runs to 28 February and I do recommend everyone takes part.
You can do so at: https://www.csr.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk/have-your-say/.
My own view is that community hospitals are essential and where better to care for people than near their homes.
However, I’d be misleading you to say that funding is not an issue, as is recruitment.