A TOTAL of 40 new nurses are starting work at hospitals across the area after a recruitment campaign.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust has said that as a result of 'proactive' work saw an additional 19 nurses starting work in January and 21 in February.

And about half a dozen are due in March.

A report to the trust board, shows that all wards across the Trust now operate with a minimum of one nurse per bed.

The additional nurses have resulted in the 'skill mix' – the number of registered nurses compared to the number of clinical support workers – has also risen across the Trust.

Sue Smith, Executive Chief Nurse, said: “Progress continues to be made in relation to recruitment to meet the needs of our patients.

“This area is a fantastic place to live and work, and the recruitment we have seen supports our aim to provide safe and high quality care.

“We have a further five nurses due to start with us in March and recruitment will continue, both nationally and internationally.

“We hope to continue to see the trend of rising numbers of staff in post across our wards and departments.”

The Board meeting takes place in the Boardrooms at Westmorland General Hospital at 10am on Wednesday 26 February.

All members of the public are welcome to attend.

A copy of the agenda is available at the following link: http://www.uhmb.nhs.uk/about-us/trust-board-meetings/trust-board-meeting-26-february-2014/