Bootcamp wins warm welcome competition
Date of release: 13 December 2023
An “outstanding” bootcamp introduced by two senior Nurses has been voted the best welcome for new starters across two Black Country NHS Trusts.
Hayley Langford receiving her winning certificate from Cath Wilson
The competition, held across The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) and Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust (WHT), was introduced to find the Nursing team that provided the best welcome for new Nurses and Midwives.
Leigh Dillon, Senior Matron – Adult Community Services, Primary Care Services, and Hayley Langford, Matron – Planned Care Adult Community, created a five-week induction programme within Planned Care District Nurses at Wolverhampton Science Park.
Introduced by Cath Wilson, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer at RWT and WHT, the competition was to help hundreds of new Nurses and Midwives – including many from abroad – settle into their new surroundings.
Cath said: “Congratulations to Hayley, Leigh and the Planned Care District Nurses Team for providing an outstanding welcome. This programme allows District Nurses to gain knowledge and skills to be confident. A warm welcome for new starters has a significant impact on retention.
“The standard of entries was heartwarming and encouraging. All applications demonstrated the fantastic work everyone is doing to support, welcome and retain our new Nurses and Midwives.”
Last month, the bootcamp celebrated its first anniversary with its largest intake – 16 new recruits – part of 34 District Nurse graduates in its first year.
Runners-up Becky Owen and Zarfreen Bibi receiving their certificates from Cath Wilson
New District Nurses are provided with a welcome tote bag which includes a mug, lanyard, pen and notebook, a folder containing competencies and revalidation information.
“I’m thrilled we won and that our hard work has been recognised and highlighted across the two Trusts,” said Hayley, who has since handed the bootcamp on to Sue Houghton, Community Practice Education Facilitator, and Helen Esty. “We are really proud and excited for what the future holds for the bootcamp.”
Leigh said: “It’s a privilege to win. Over the last 12-18 months, we’ve been committed to investing in our workforce, and growing our own within District Nursing and Adult Community Services.”
The bootcamp’s success has seen staff join from other Trusts and some even relocating to join, while Hayley and Leigh have been asked to promote it nationally.
Two joint runners-up were:
Becky Owen and the Walsall Paediatrics team for allocating a ‘buddy’ nurse, plus a welcome sheet with information and welcome bag;
Zarfreen Bibi and the RWT Paediatrics team for making early contact with newcomers, plus providing a welcome booklet, pen and trolley key and one-to-one support.
ENDS
- For further information, please call Tim Nash on 07714 741097 or email tim.nash2@nhs.net
