Ex-nurses are being invited to return to the profession to help fill hospital vacancies.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) in Harlow is promoting the Return to Practice course at the University of Hertfordshire and Anglia Ruskin in Chelmsford.

The RTP course aims to refresh key skills and features three month hospital placements.

Kathy Wadhams returned to PAH following a ten-year break after taking part in the course.

She said: “Having a placement at PAH was a real asset - it was just like coming home.

“Being back on the wards was scary at first, but with some excellent mentoring and support from the staff, my confidence has definitely come back.”

Professor Nancy Fontaine, chief nurse at the PAH trust, said: “The Return to Practice programme is excellent, and a great opportunity for nurses to come back to the profession and be supported every step of the way.

“Nursing and midwifery is a passion that never subsides, so I would urge anyone who is interested to get in contact with their local practice development team and arrange a place on a course.”

For more information, phone 01279 694 926 or email pdt@pah.nhs.uk.