HEALTH visitors are needed to cover Thurrock.

North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NEFLT) has launched a recruitment drive to increase the numbers of new health visitors in the south west Essex area over the next three years.

The boost to numbers follows a Department of Health pledge to recruit an additional 4,200 health visitors across the NHS by 2015.

Student or registered nurses, experienced, former or newly qualified health visitors as well as nurses thinking about a change of career can apply to become a health visitor.

Melody Williams, director of children’s services in south west Essex, said: “Health visitors are multi-skilled men and women, who are qualified nurses or midwives, and who specialise in working with families from all backgrounds to promote health and ensure children are developing as they should.

"There has never been a better time to train or return to be a health visitor at NELFT.

“We are offering career development opportunities for eligible people who have a passion for giving children the best start in life and supporting families.

“The aim is boost to the service, supporting families in the community and strengthening collaborative work with GP practices, children’s centres and early education settings.”

People interested in the career can apply for a fully-funded 12-month, or 24-month part-time degree course. Applicants will be paid while they train.

For more information, log on to www.nelft.nhs.uk/about_us/working/ open_up_possibilities