MEET the first group of newly qualified nurses to start work at Great Western Hospital.

For the eight-strong team, this week marks the end of three years of training at the University of the West of England.

During this period they learned the theory of nursing and and gained practical experience on the wards of Princess Margaret Hospital, and Great Western Hospital under the supervision of a qualified nurse.

And now they are eager to launch into the job they have been training for.

One of those who has recently qualified is Dee Cooper, 34, who worked as an auxiliary nurse for four years before deciding to push her career further.

"I love working with people and while I enjoyed my time as an auxiliary nurse, I was keen to develop my skills further."

Because she had been working for Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust for more than a year, mother of three Dee was eligible for sponsorship from the trust, which meant that she was paid a wage as she completed her course.

Also qualifying in the same group was 38-year-old Kim Main, who managed to get a place on the three-year Nursing Course after completing an access to nursing course at Swindon's New College.

She explained: "The course was a really good grounding. You study a variety of subjects that really prepare you for the three-year course.

"I went down this route, because I did not have any nursing experience behind me at all. It has been a long road, but I am really pleased that I did it."

Also taking that route were students, Teresa Tuffin, 38, and Sarah Hyner, 32.

Teresa said: "I agree that the access course really gave you a good idea of what to expect."

Swindon and Marlborough NHS Trust is actively recruiting nursing staff and has introduced a range of measures to encourage recruitment and retention among staff.

These include flexible working hours, an on site crche, accommodation for staff and a successful return to practice nursing course to update former nurses on the latest developments in the profession.

For more information about training as a nurse contact Great Western Hospital on 01793 604020.