SOUTHEND University Hospital is hosting a series of recruitment days between February and August.

If you’d love to work at Southend Hospital then this Valentine’s Day weekend could be a match made in job heaven as the first of two recruitment days this month is taking place this Saturday.

The hospital is seeking Band 5 registered nurses from across the areas of surgery, women and children’s, medicine, MSK (musculo-skeletal services) and D and T (diagnostic and therapeutic. In addition it is also looking for Band 5 theatre and maternity staff. The recruitment days are part of a wider series of proactive initiatives the hospital is planning as part of its intensive recruitment drive.

One person who recently decided to continue their career at Southend Hospital is its chief nurse, Yvonne Blucher, who started in her role last October, coming to Southend from Barts in London.

Relative “newbie” Yvonne said: “Our trust would be nothing without our staff. So it goes without saying that when it comes to recruiting new team members, we’re looking for the very best.

“The Care Quality Commission says our staff are ‘phenomenal and hugely committed’ so now is the perfect time to become part of the team.

“We know a strong workforce should be a diverse one, with a mix of skills, strengths and abilities. And we’re committed to equal opportunities and try to support staff wherever possible to help them to work flexibly.

“I know I speak for all my colleagues when I say that we can’t wait to meet all those people looking to give their best, to continue giving as part of a team Southend and help deliver the very best care to local people.”

Assessment and interviews will take place all day on the recruitment days, the first two of which take place at the hospital’s main Prittlewell Chase site on Saturday, February 13 and Saturday, February 27.

Those shortlisted to attend will be invited by email and should ensure they are available for the whole day, there will also be specific department tours available on the day.

Future recruitment days will take place on Saturday, April 16, Saturday, June 11, and Saturday, August 13.

To find out more and apply for the available roles, visit www.bit.ly/SouthendOpenDays