Employing around 33,000 people, with the figure expected to rise by another 4% over the next ten years, Health and Social Care is what we call a ‘growth sector’. This is an area of commercial business developing at a greater pace than others in the county and, in turn, providing more job opportunities, higher salaries and better benefits.
You know what that means: there’s never been a better time to start a career in Health and Social Care. Not only does the sector provide opportunities for those with high-level qualifications, such as doctors and dentists, but there’s also a wide range of entry-level roles for school leavers, including care workers, counsellors, HR officers and receptionists.
Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent Health and Social Care employers in the county today, as well as the reasons why you should and how you can join its ranks.
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
What?
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (BHT) provides healthcare to over half a million patients in Bucks every year.
Where?
The trust delivers care in a range of ways: from community health services provided in people’s homes or at one of its local bases, to hospitals at Stoke Mandeville, Wycombe and Amersham.
Why?
Not only is Stoke Mandeville Hospital home to the internationally recognised National Spinal Injuries Centre, the trust’s stroke service is one of the best in the region AND it is a regional centre for burn care, plastic surgery and dermatology.
How?
BHT employs more than 7,000 people in both clinical and corporate roles, so it’s a great place for aspiring doctors, nurses, midwives, health visitors, therapists and support workers, as well as receptionists, risk assessment managers and HR professionals.
Epilepsy Society
What?
Epilepsy Society is the UK’s only charity transforming the lives of people with epilepsy through world-leading research, advocacy and care.
Where?
The Chalfont Centre in Chalfont St Peter has been the charity's home since it was founded in 1892, so Bucks is very much a part of the life blood of the charity and vice versa.
Why?
With different characters, changing moods and new activities, no two days at the charity are the same, but you'll always leave knowing you've made a difference.
How?
Careers at the Epilepsy Society centre around: genomic research into personalised care for people suffering with epilepsy; maximising life potential through care services; diagnosis and treatment;the administration of a helpline for anyone affected by the disorder; and campaigning for epilepsy issues.
South Central Ambulance Service
What?
One of 10 ambulance services in England, the South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) is on a mission to deliver the ‘right care, first time, every time’.
Where?
SCAS serves Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire, but one of its three main call centres is in Milton Keynes.
Why?
One of the key benefits of a career at SCAS is that the organisation is built on a learning culture, which means it puts people before process and recognises everyone has different needs and circumstances.
How?
SCAS has three main functions and, in turn, opportunities for career seekers. The first is the 24/7 999 emergency service, which deals with over 606,000 incidents each year with the support of emergency call takers, dispatchers and clinicians. The 111 non-emergency number service is also provided around the clock by over 500 staff, who answer 1.5 million calls a year. And lastly, the non-emergency patient transport service is provided by teams of ambulance care assistants and other support staff.
Ashridge Home Care
What?
Ashridge Home Care is a multiple award-winning care company with over 30 years’ experience in delivering and coordinating home care for individuals who need support due to illness or age.
Where?
Whilst Ashridge provides care across the whole of the South East, the heart of its work takes place in Bucks.
Why?
No prior care experience, no problem. Ashridge offers extensive induction training and ongoing development to support its employees’ career growth, so all you need to bring is compassion, empathy and a positive outlook on life.
How?
If you’re interested in a career at Ashridge, you can become a Live-In Carer – residing with clients to assist them with daily activities and ensure their wellbeing – or a Visiting Carer, which also provides support to clients in their own homes but only for a few hours at a time.
For an in-depth look at Health and Social Care, head over to the All Sectors area of our website.
