MORE than 40 people were offered jobs in north Cumbria's NHS during a successful recruitment event in Carlisle.

Held at the Education Centre at the Cumberland Infirmary, it was a chance to find out more about opportunities for nurses, midwives, paramedics, or how to get into these professions.

Saturday's event was organised jointly by the area's health trust and the University of Cumbria.

It was attended by more than 120 people, with some interviewed for vacancies on the day.

As a result, more than 40 people have so far been offered jobs.

Over 30 also met with university representatives to talk about studying to become a nurse, midwife or paramedic .

The Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT), North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust (NCUH), North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust (NWAS) and the University of Cumbria all joined forces to host the recruitment day, for people at all stages of their career.

Organiser Amanda Dunkley, head of attraction, agency and bank for CPFT and NCUH, said: “This is the fifth recruitment event we have held and it is by far the biggest to date.

"The turnout was fantastic and I’m thrilled that we were able to make so many offers on the day. It’s great that people are hearing about all the opportunities we have in Cumbria and working together as one team has put us in a really strong position.”

Among those attending was Sophie Stanier, a final-year paramedic student at Staffordshire University. She said: “I currently live and study in Stoke but I would like to relocate to Cumbria. It is a beautiful place to live."

Rosie Mahoney, third year student nurse at Northumbria University, said: “I live in Newcastle but am from Workington and would like to move back, to work at West Cumberland Hospital. I started as a nursing cadet at Lakes College so I have already done some work experience there. I would like to work on the surgical ward or in intensive care.”

Chris Saxton, qualified paramedic, added: “I currently work down in Suffolk but I am looking to return to Cumbria where I grew up. There are no mountains in Suffolk, which I miss, and NWAS is doing a lot in terms of developing career pathways."

Louise Nelson, head of nursing at the University of Cumbria, described the turnout as "spectacular". She added: "We urge others considering a career in nursing to come along to one of our university open days to understand the range of routes into nursing available to them.”