Borough hopes to attract GPs
FOCUS ON MARKETING CAMPAIGN
A COUNCIL campaign promoting South Tyneside could be a key tool in drawing GPs, nurses and health workers to the borough, councillors have been told.
The #LoveSouthTyneside campaign, launched earlier this year, aims to shine a spotlight on the area’s best assets.
This includes recognising and promoting civic pride and raising awareness of volunteering opportunities and community events.
At a recent meeting of South Tyneside Council’s Place Select Committee, it was revealed South Tyneside’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is backing the scheme. This forms part of a health recruitment campaign to encourage people to work in South Tyneside which includes national adverts and outreach work in schools and universities.
Corporate lead for strategy and performance on the council Hayley Johnson explained the reasons for the move.
“The CCG aims to attract GPs, students thinking about a medical career, adult social care workers, nurses for private care homes – all of the areas right across the whole spectrum.
“The CCG loved LoveSouthTyneside and they thought that as a place, South Tyneside is really attractive.
“We have some incredible high-quality homes, some of the best schools and the leisure.
“Whether you’re a GP or a student about to start, we have a lot to offer, so the CCG asked us if they could be part of the campaign.”
The meeting heard several other partners had pledged to back the scheme with the CCG’s help.
This includes the Sunderland and South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, St Thomas Complex, First Contact Clinical, Age UK, healthwatch and the local pharmaceutical committee.
Councillors agreed it was important to support community groups with their work – from extra resources to training around council rules and regulations.
Other ideas included promoting recycling in schools and encouraging businesses to give back to the community. This could range from firms providing volunteers to take part in litter-picks to supporting local food banks.