In a recent survey of both NHS staff and members of the public, 91% of NHS staff in the east of England would recommend a career in the NHS to a friend or family member, with the wider population also believing that a career in the NHS would be rewarding.

The survey findings come as the NHS takes part in #NationalCareersWeek – highlighting the rewarding careers and roles available in the NHS to school leavers and career switchers.

Of the members of the public in the East of England surveyed, 85% said they believed a career in the NHS would be rewarding with almost half saying the pandemic has made them more likely to consider a role.

Phil Carver, regional director for Health Education England in the East of England, said: “A career in the NHS offers an opportunity to positively impact thousands of people from all walks of life, providing dedicated and specialist care to every patient who needs healthcare.

“By joining the NHS, you become part of a family, and although it can be challenging, the resilience, camaraderie and teamwork of our inspirational teams is just one of the very reasons why a career in the NHS is so rewarding.”

Nationally, 88% of members of the public surveyed stated that the pandemic has made them more appreciative of the work done by those in the NHS. With more than 400 different roles to choose from, some of which do not require higher education qualifications, it is hoped many take up the opportunity.

One person who took this step is Tamryn Saby, who spent 11 years as an airline cabin crew member before being furloughed, and a new role working at a large-scale vaccination centre in Cambridgeshire took flight.  Alongside her efforts in supporting the vaccination rollout as a front of house administrator at the Chesterton Bowls Club vaccination site, Tamryn began studying for a therapeutic radiography degree in September 2021.

She says that she loves working with a whole range of people from different walks of life and one of her key highlights has been the gratitude of the public:

“I’d encourage anyone looking for a career switch to consider the NHS as there are so many different roles. In fact, I’m pretty sure there’s a role for everyone, whatever your area of interest or strengths might be.

“I loved my time working for an airline and have some great memories but I’m equally excited about the future and embracing the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives every day!”

All those considering the NHS for their future career are welcome to search ‘NHS Careers’ to find out more or visit www.jobs.nhs.uk to apply for a role today.

Tamryn Saby spent 11 years as an airline cabin crew member before being furloughed, when a new role working at a large-scale NHS vaccination centre in Cambridgeshire took flight!