A Southampton hospital has recognised its nurse apprentices who make up four per cent of the total workforce. 

For National Apprentice Week, Spire Southampton is celebrating members of its nursing apprenticeship programme. 

The hospital says the nurses, who company-wide make up four per cent of the workforce, make a "fantastic contribution" to the hospital. 

Spire also has apprenticeships in biomedical science, physiotherapy, pharmacy, medical laboratory technicians, as well as non-clinical disciplines and offers many other training opportunities and student placements.

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A spokesperson said: "At Spire Southampton Hospital we are particularly proud of Maddie, who was a fantastic Oncology health care assistant for many years before she entered the nurse apprenticeship programme.

"Upon completion of her nurse apprenticeship, we were able to offer Maddie a place back in her team as an Oncology Registered Nurse. 

"This is a rare thing within Oncology to grow, develop and then re-employ a colleague into a more senior role (as a RN) and the hospital is proud to have been able to do this for her."

Karen Willoughby, director of clinical services added: “We are so proud of Maddie and the fact we were able to support such amazing growth of one of our existing members of staff.”