Leeds Beckett University generates a silver lining in Coronavirus chaos by joining forces with the NHS to train new staff.
The university is offering its city-centre facilities including the Rose Bowl and Portland buildings to the NHS. These spaces will be used for teaching, catering and meetings. Event support is being provided by the university’s Well Met Conferencing department.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust aims to recruit 1,000 non-clinical staff for jobs including cleaning, catering, security, driving and childcare and maintenance over the next month.
Both the LBU buildings will be reopened from 1 April after their closures following government advice. Once reopened, the facilities will maintain social distancing measures to protect LBU staff, NHS recruits, and the public.
Talks are also on-going with the NHS to provide online medical training, loan medical equipment and offer staff expertise in areas including nursing, diagnostics and physiotherapy.
Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University vice-chancellor, said: “As national efforts to tackle the devastating effects of COVID-19 are escalated, it’s vital that everyone plays their part.
“Our Leeds city centre campus neighbours Leeds General Infirmary and lending our facilities to the NHS for this purpose is one small way we can support the outstanding NHS efforts.
“In these exceptionally difficult times for everyone, these NHS workers are going above and beyond to help others and we’ll be doing our best to look after them.”
Julian Hartley, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS trust chief executive, said: “We are very fortunate to have a strong relationship with Leeds Beckett University and are grateful to them for working with us to provide this excellent solution.
“The support of Leeds Beckett and other local organisations and businesses has been invaluable in helping us to prepare so that we are ready to provide the best possible care to our patients, including those diagnosed with COVID-19."
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
