THE latest and largest intake of student nurses have started their ward duties at a hospital trust.

Patients across East Lancashire are benefitting from 148 student nurses taking up their hospital nursing placements within East Lancashire Hospitals Trust.

The students began their nurse training with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in September 2018.

The number of students joining the trust has nearly doubled from last year’s intake.

Chris Pearson, director of nursing for the trust, said: “My colleagues and I extend a warm welcome to our new student nurses. I’d like to congratulate them in their career choice and wish them every success during their time here at East Lancashire Hospitals.”

“The trust has an excellent reputation for providing high quality nurse education and training and this is reflected in the fact that more and more student nurses choose ELHT each year. The trust and its patients benefit from students who join the outstanding nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants already working here.”

Ms Pearson added: “Despite a national shortage, the trust continues to attract more nurses and today employs more than 2,300 registered nurses and midwives to care for patients at our five hospitals, and in the community."