Student nurses in the Western Isles step in to join the fight against COVID-19

Dedicated nursing students have joined NHS Western Isles nursing teams to help the local health service in the fight against coronavirus.

A total of 18 student nurses from the Department of Nursing and Midwifery (University of the Highlands and Islands) have been welcomed by NHS Western Isles over the past few weeks. The nurses are all ready to help NHS Western Isles manage during potentially challenging times, and are working in a variety of areas.

The students are contracted by NHS Western Isles as Band 4 Students until September 30, 2020. Their education and assessment continues whilst on placement, with the support of our experienced mentors and registered nurses, preparing them to qualify as Registered Nurses in September.

The students are no longer supernumerary and in that respect bring a wealth of experience and skills to our workforce, at a crucial time, in preparation for COVID-19.

NHS Western Isles is also employing three students from the Islands, who are studying at mainland universities and have come home during lockdown; one Second Year Robert Gordon University Midwifery student, one Second Year Robert Gordon University Nursing student and one Second Year Queen Margaret University Nursing student. 

In June 2020, the Second Year students in the Western Isles will also follow this process. They will be employed as Band 3 Student Nurses until August 31.

NHS Western Isles Nurse and AHP Director/Chief Operating Officer, William Findlay, said he was delighted to welcome the student nurses and he is looking forward to meeting them in the course of their work.

He commented: “Everyone within NHS Western Isles is extremely pleased to welcome these nursing students. Their presence is hugely appreciated at this challenging time, and we will support them to get the most out of their training and working with us.

“We will look after their welfare and will support them to develop their knowledge and skills.”

Mr Findlay added: “Our staff are at the heart of this organisation and we always strive to make NHS Western Isles a great place to work as well as providing the highest possible quality of care. The experience the students will gain in working with our staff will be invaluable for them as they start their careers with the NHS. At the same time, we hugely appreciate their contribution and warmly welcome them to our organisation.”