Paramedics in NZ jump at opportunity of London career   11 Sep 2014

Paramedics in New Zealand jump at opportunity of a clinical career in London

Paramedics hoping for a chance to work for the world’s busiest ambulance service - will be interviewed and assessed by a team from London Ambulance Service this week (12-13 September) in New Zealand.

Paramedics who have already been shortlisted for the role, will now have their clinical expertise assessed and be interviewed by operational staff from London in Auckland.

The Service’s Director of Operations Jason Killens said: “We’ve already heard from some fantastic candidates looking for an opportunity for a clinical career in London and we have a lot to offer.

“As the largest city in Europe and one of the most densely populated, the work of London paramedics is fast paced, but nowhere else will you experience such diversity. In the last month alone, we’ve treated tens of thousands of patients, including those at music concerts in Hyde Park and at Notting Hill Carnival – Europe’s biggest street party.”

More paramedics are needed in London due to year-on-year increases in demand and because of a move to have more registered healthcare professionals overseeing patient care.

Jason added: “We have a national shortage of paramedics in the UK and are looking to recruit here because the skills and training of New Zealand paramedics closely match those in the UK.”

The campaign – London, No ordinary challenge – aims to recruit frontline staff, including 250 paramedics and will be recruiting both in the UK and overseas. The Service is offering support for prospective staff with their application, visa and relocation costs, and will cover the Health and Care Professions Council paramedic registration fee.

Once paramedics are recruited from New Zealand they will undergo a short conversion course enabling them to treat patients in the UK.

Emergency Ambulance Crew Verity Reinke, who has already made the move from nearby Australia to London, said: “Moving from Adelaide to Europe’s biggest city was an incredible change. There are better opportunities for career progression here than anywhere else and being exposed to more diverse cases and more exciting challenges is really improving my clinical skills.

“Nothing can beat the experience of working in this city. It’s busier, faster and more exciting than anywhere else.”

London paramedics can work in a variety of roles – for example as bicycle or motorcycle responders, emergency planners or advanced paramedics providing critical care to patients with complex conditions.

Paramedics who have not yet applied are encouraged to visit www.noordinarychallenge.com for more information on the opportunities available.

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