New NHS recruits to be trained at reopened Leeds Beckett University sites

The university is today (April 1) opening up city centre sites the Rose Bowl and Portland buildings to the NHS to offer teaching spaces, catering facilities and meeting rooms.

The move is part of a bid by Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to recruit 1,000 non-clinical staff in areas including cleaning, catering, security, driving, childcare and maintenance over

the next month.

Both the university buildings, which were closed recently following Government guidelines about restricting the spread of coronavirus, will be re-opened today.

The facilities will ensure that social distancing measures are in place to protect university staff, the new NHS recruits, and the wider public from the spread of COVID-19.

Talks are also on-going with the NHS to provide online medical training, loan medical equipment and offer staff expertise in areas including nursing, diagnostics and physiotherapy.

Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University vice chancellor, said: “As national efforts to tackle the devastating effects of Covid-19 are escalated, it’s vital that everyone plays their part.

“Our Leeds city centre campus neighbours Leeds General Infirmary and lending our facilities to the NHS for this purpose is one small way we can support the outstanding NHS efforts.

“In these exceptionally difficult times for everyone, these NHS workers are going above and beyond to help others and we’ll be doing our best to look after them.”

Julian Hartley, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive, said: “We are very fortunate to have a strong relationship with Leeds Beckett University and are

grateful to them for working with us to provide this excellent solution.

“The support of Leeds Beckett and other local organisations and businesses has been invaluable in helping us to prepare so that we are ready to provide the best possible care to

our patients, including those diagnosed with COVID-19.”