NHS recruitment advertising campaign targets minority groups

More than 300 people have applied for jobs as a result of last summer's We Need a Hand campaign.

The advertisements used simple imagery of different hands to represent the black and minority ethnic, gay and disabled communities.

At least 13 staff have been appointed so far as a direct result of the campaign including six administrative and clerical staff and four nurses. More applications are currently being processed.

We Need a Hand was funded by a £204,000 grant from Guy's and St Thomas' Charitable Foundation.

Deputy Director of Personnel Terry Coode said: "We wanted people to feel that Guy's and St Thomas' were their local hospitals and part of their community so that people who might not normally consider working in the NHS would come and work for us.

"The overwhelming response demonstrates that taking the time and trouble to specifically target your local communities makes sense for the NHS. A more diverse workforce means better care for patients."