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

The hospital, which has suffered a shortage of nurses recently, will hold its first recruitment day this Saturday  followed by another on Saturday, February 27.

The hospital is seeking Band 5 registered nurses from across the areas of surgery, women and children’s medicine, musculo-skeletal services and diagnostic and therapeutic services. In addition it is also looking for Band 5 theatre and maternity staff.

Yvonne Blücher, the hospital’s chief nurse, who started in her role last October after moving from Barts in London, 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.”

She added: “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 Saturday recruitment days, the first two of which take place at the hospital’s main Prittlewell Chase.

Those shortlisted to attend will be invited by email and should ensure they are available for the whole day.

Recruitment days will also be taking place on Saturday, April 16, Saturday, June 11 and Saturday, August 13.

For more information, visit www.bit.ly/SouthendOpenDays