Whitehaven and Workington MP, Josh MacAlister, has visited the University of Lancashire’s Westlakes campus to meet with nursing students currently training to become the next generation of healthcare professionals in West Cumbria.

During the visit, Josh spoke with students and staff about the importance of training nurses locally and the need to encourage more people from West Cumbria to consider nursing as a career.

The University is currently seeking to recruit more candidates on to its nursing degree programmes, which offer local students an invaluable opportunity to study and train close to home.

Students training at Westlakes are supported with an NHS bursary of £5,000 per year of study, helping to make nursing an accessible and rewarding choice for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Speaking after the visit, Josh said: “It was fantastic to meet with the University of Lancashire’s nursing students at Westlakes and hear about their experiences on the course. Nurses play a vital role in our health service, and people in West Cumbria can take up this career right here, at Westlakes. With financial support available and world-class training on the doorstep, I would encourage anyone thinking about their next steps to seriously consider becoming a nurse.”

Graduates from the University of Lancashire’s nursing degree go on to work in a wide range of areas including acute hospital care, mental health services, primary care and community health settings, ensuring that their skills make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people across West Cumbria and beyond.

University of Lancashire are holding an open evening next week which is open to all those interested in a career in nursing. The event will be held at the Westlakes campus from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, October 16.

Aarron Butterworth, Operations Manager at University of Lancashire’s Westlakes campus, added: “We know how important it is to train and retain nurses in West Cumbria. Our Westlakes campus provides local students with the chance to learn close to home and build rewarding careers here in Cumbria.

“Our nursing courses are open to all, whether you are leaving school, returning to education or considering a career change. Anyone with an interest in healthcare should come along to our Westlakes Nursing Event on 16th October. You can explore the campus, meet students and staff, and explore the opportunities nursing can offer.”

For more information about nursing courses at University of Lancashire Westlakes or to register to attend the open evening, visit http://www.lancashire.ac.uk