30389-19The nursing population has received a welcome boost with the latest group of return-to-practice students graduating in Swindon.

The aim of the course is to update former nurses on the latest developments in the profession to give them the confidence to return to the profession after a number of years.

Tony Savva, of Stratton St Margaret, had the distinction of being the only man in a line-up of 14.

Mr Savva, 58, said: "It's normal to be in the minority. I trained in the Air Force more than 30 years ago, although I originally wanted to join up as a mechanic.

"I spent about 20 years nursing on the North Sea oil rigs, so it's not as though I ever left the profession. But coming back to purely clinical areas is different. Nursing has moved on.

"I'm now in occupational health so I'm looking after the people who look after the people."

Rosie Bowyer, 55, of Buscot, near Lechlade, was another of the graduates to receive a certificate at Swindon's Great Western Hospital.

Mrs Bowyer, a senior staff nurse in cardiology at the GWH, said: "I gave up the profession 23 years ago but had been thinking about returning in the last couple of years.

"Then last August I became a patient at the GWH after I had an infection. It was like a turning point and I realised I definitely wanted to retrain and become a nurse again and care for people, because I was on the receiving end for a change.

"A course was starting just a month later so it was all a bit rushed. It was hard work, especially the essays.

"Nursing has changed a lot in the 23 years I've been gone."

Patsy Newton, chairwoman of the Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust, presented the nurses with their certificates.

She said: "The nursing profession needs committed and dedicated people. Just because people take time out or have career breaks doesn't mean they lose these skills.

"They just need to refresh their memories. Each and every nurse makes an immense contribution each year. It is very positive to see these nurses today."

Return-to-practice co-ordinator Liz Jaffray said: "The course is about getting people back in the profession. They don't necessarily work at the GWH, but may find work anyway in the Swindon area.

"We take up to 20 people at a time and run two courses a year. I'd love to hear from anyone interested in attending our next course."

Call Liz Jaffray on 01793 604441 for more information.

Alex Emery