Graduation success for Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) apprentices in Sefton
It was time to celebrate this week as the first group of health and social care apprentices from NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG graduated from Hugh Baird College.
Working in close partnership since 2014, the two CCGs in Sefton and Hugh Baird Business Development Centre have developed the first ever apprenticeship program aiming to address a shortage of nurses within doctors’ surgeries across the region.
The apprenticeships, delivered by the college and designed and funded by the CCG, have increased employment opportunities within the care sector of Sefton. They have enabled staff to gain a better understanding of their roles and play a pivotal part in the CCGs’ vision for improved primary care services – where more care is delivered in the community, making it easier for people to access to services.
Brendan Prescott, deputy chief nurse for both CCGs, said:
The apprentices’ roles will help shape the vision of improving care in Sefton. Apprenticeship training will greatly enhance GP services in the long run as it provides more support to doctors’ practices. Some of the graduates here today are already working in a practice which is fantastic. This training will allow them to have increased access to services closer to home. We are delighted to have delivered this self-development and employment opportunity to this group and we wish all of our graduates the best of luck in the future.
Joanne Smith, Customer Relationship Manager of Hugh Baird Business Development Centre, said:
We are delighted to be working in partnership with NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG on their five year blueprint ambition for care in the region and it was excellent to see the apprentices graduate today.
Lynn Marsden, practice nurse at Bridge Road Medical Centre in Litherland, said:
Working with the apprentices has been a fantastic and enjoyable experience and it has been great to watch them develop professionally.
Launa McKenzie from Norris Green, worked as an apprentice Health Care Assistant and is soon to start an Adult Nursing course at University of Chester, with a view to becoming a District Nurse and working in the community in the future.
Speaking at the event, Launa said:
I thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship as it was very hands on and practical. I was working as a receptionist at the surgery when approached by the CCG and left that role to become a Health Care Assistant. The skills I’ve learnt will really help me as I progress to higher level study at University.
My advice for anyone looking to start an apprenticeship is to persevere. There are many benefits including a wage, but the main advantage is working in the industry and getting a first-hand insight into what goes on day to day. Hugh Baird College have supported me throughout my apprenticeship, having my assessor’s number on hand whenever I needed help and being supported throughout really gave me the confidence to succeed.
NHS South Sefton CCG and NHS Southport and Formby CCG are made up of 50 GP practices across the borough and they commission the majority of local health services for Sefton residents.
