A FAILING NHS trust is turning to social media in an effort to recruit nurses.

Barts Health NHS Trust, which runs Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone, is using Facebook to hire more permanent staff to reduce its reliance on agency workers.

The hospital was placed in special measures in 2015. Last December it was deemed “inadequate” by health watchdog the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The hospital will hold an open day for prospective staff on Saturday, April 8.

Those attending the open day will be assessed, interviewed and hired on the day.

Chris Pinch, lead nurse in older peoples and stroke care, said: “At Whipps Cross we are passionate around the care of our older community.

“There is a real sense of team working to ensure that our patients have the best possible outcomes and are able to adapt to the ever changing challenges of growing older and chronic illness.

“A permanent workforce leads to better quality care for our patients as our staff are more engaged, loyal and familiar with how we do things.

“I encourage any nurses interested in working at Whipps Cross to come along to find out more.”

To find out more or register for the open day go Facebook @BartsHealthRecruitment.