The Leeds student nurses helping NHS frontline during coronavirus crisis

The first wave of student  nurses from Leeds Becket University are stepping forward to help the NHS frontline in Leeds during the coronavirus crisis.
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Six Leeds Beckett University students - who are in the last six months of their training - have been recruited early to start working for Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust as aspirant nurses.

All six students had opted in to the national student nurse volunteer programme.

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The programme was set up in response to calls from NHS England for up to 18,000 student nurses across the country to assist during the current crisis.

The six student nurses pictured are Charis Bower, Lauren Powell, Dannielle Dobb, Alexander Walker, Liliana Gabbiadini and Oliver Tull, with (far left) Siobhan Zagajewski, vlinical education lead and (far right) Chris Daurge, preceptorship education Lead for Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust.The six student nurses pictured are Charis Bower, Lauren Powell, Dannielle Dobb, Alexander Walker, Liliana Gabbiadini and Oliver Tull, with (far left) Siobhan Zagajewski, vlinical education lead and (far right) Chris Daurge, preceptorship education Lead for Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust.
The six student nurses pictured are Charis Bower, Lauren Powell, Dannielle Dobb, Alexander Walker, Liliana Gabbiadini and Oliver Tull, with (far left) Siobhan Zagajewski, vlinical education lead and (far right) Chris Daurge, preceptorship education Lead for Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust.

The role allows student nurses who would have graduated this September to start to use their knowledge and skills during the crisis, whilst progressing their nurse education training.

The YEP is celebrating #healthheroes across Leeds, who are the very front line of keeping our nation safe during the coronavirus crisis.

Student nurse Dannielle Dobb, said: “Now that I have my uniform I’m all prepared and really want to get properly started. I’m glad to feel like I’m helping as part of this.”

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Fellow student nurse Alexander Walker, said: "I really wanted to be involved in the community to give people more holistic care. I’m looking forward to giving people the time that they need at this time."

The aspirant nurses will be supported by a specialist team of experienced nurses from the trust and will be working out and about in the community to support vulnerable patients, often in their own homes, to keep them safe and relieve pressure on the hospitals.

Siobhan Zagajewski, clinical education lead said: “We are really pleased to have our first wave of students, who all came from Leeds Beckett University, on board.

"I have been impressed by how committed and keen they are to come and support at this difficult time.

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"Our experienced nurses and the education team at Leeds Community Healthcare, in partnership with the university will be supporting them every step of the way, to make sure they are working at an appropriate level and that they feel competent and confident to undertake activities.”

Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor, said: “Community nurses have a vital role to play as the country continues to adapt to lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic.

Our six aspirant nurses who will be working with Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust are joining an inspirational team providing an invaluable public service in these incredibly challenging times.

"For all those working with people affected by Covid-19, our thanks and gratitude go out to them all.”

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