More than 40 student nurses have joined the ranks at NHS Golden Jubilee to support NHSScotland’s fight against Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Golden Jubilee National Hospital has welcomed 25 final-year students and 17 second-year students from Glasgow Caledonian University, the University of the West of Scotland and the University of Glasgow.
The Golden Jubilee continues to provide ‘critical to life’ heart, lung and cancer services and is available to provide intensive care support for West of Scotland patients.
The students will continue to work towards their degrees and achieving practical clinical experience by caring for patients as key members of the nursing team.
Duties will include taking patient observations, checking dressings and working as part of the wider multidisciplinary team.
Gertrude Munyambonera, a third-year nursing student from Glasgow Caledonian University, has returned from maternity leave early to join the National Services team , where she is helping care for patients with advanced heart failure and congenital heart conditions.
The 39-year-old mum-of-four said: “I have a six-month old child and could have stayed on maternity leave and graduated in 2021, but I felt it would be wrong to not use the skills I have to offer.
“I am very happy to play my part; it was the right thing to do. I feel like a valued member of staff and I can say that I have helped make a difference.
“Caring for high dependency patients means I can help free up another nurse’s time elsewhere.”
NHS Golden Jubilee Director of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, Anne Marie Cavanagh, commented: “NHS Golden Jubilee is delighted to welcome these dedicated students, who are making their skills available to the NHS at this time of need.
“As valued members of our team, the students will have the chance to put their learning into practice while being paid for their efforts. They will be guided by our expert and experienced nursing team as they complete their qualifications.
“Combating coronavirus requires unprecedented measures and we owe a huge thank you to every one of these students for stepping up to help the NHS at this challenging time.”
In addition to the student cohort, NHS Golden Jubilee has also welcomed returning members of staff who have recently retired.
