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Health & Social Care

The National Health Service, taken as a single entity, is the biggest employer of graduates in this region, although recruitment actually takes place at local level through NHS Trusts (25 in this region) and Primary Care Trusts (34 in this region).

Most graduates employed in the NHS have a degree in a relevant vocational subject (Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, etc.), but graduates are also recruited to administrative and other non-clinical posts. Full details of the range of jobs available, together with the telephone numbers of personnel departments in individual trusts, can be found on the NHS Careers website.

In recent years there has been a significant growth in private health care provision, and there are now ten major private hospitals in this region, together with a much larger number of nursing and care homes. Finally, the continuing commitment of government at the National and European levels to new legislation on food hygiene, occupational health and safety and pollution control has lead to increased demand from private companies for graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide advice on these matters. The growth in legislation has also placed new demands on local authorities and other public bodies but, because of spending restrictions, this has not always resulted in increased levels of recruitment.

Useful links:

NHS Careers

Comprehensive guide to health-related careers. Also includes lists of personnel offices in NHS organisations.