About NHS Ayrshire and Arran
NHS Ayrshire & Arran is one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHSScotland. Ayrshire and Arran NHS Board is responsible for the protection and improvement of the local population’s health and for the delivery of frontline healthcare services. The NHS Board membership consists of executive and non-executive members, and is accountable to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport. Our operational frontline services are provided through four distinct operational units – Acute Services and the Health and Social Care Partnerships in East, North and South Ayrshire. You can find further detail on the role of the NHS Board, and our organisational structure on our website – www.nhsaaa.net
NHS Ayrshire & Arran serves a mixed rural and urban population of 376,000. We have a full range of primary and secondary clinical services, covering the mainland of Ayrshire and the islands of Arran and Cumbrae. NHS Ayrshire & Arran covers three local authority areas: East, North and South Ayrshire. There are major areas of widespread deprivation and social exclusion in both rural and urban areas.
The healthcare challenge within the area is considerable: our population suffers higher than average rates of coronary heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory illnesses and premature death among males. Ongoing lifestyle issues, such as the prevalence of smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise, are key factors, as is the steadily ageing profile of the population. Here in NHS Ayrshire & Arran, we want the best for our staff and the best for local people. We pride ourselves on improving health and providing a comprehensive range of high quality, safe, effective and person-centred health services. Our strategic direction is based on continuous improvement and services that are centred on patients and service underpinned by our organisational commitments.
NHS Ayrshire and Arran as an employer
NHS Ayrshire & Arran recognises that our staff are vital to delivering our purpose, values and commitments and to achieving our strategic objectives. Our aim is to create an organisation where people want to work and strive to deliver excellence each day; where staff wellbeing and personal resilience are supported; where careers are interesting and developed; where staff are encouraged to reach their full potential; and where staff feel their contribution is recognised and valued.
To do this, we need to attract, develop, support and retain our staff and enhance their work experience. This will directly contribute to our aspiration to deliver excellent high quality services to every person every time.
Our employees have told us the unique factors that help to define us as an employer are:
- our friendly and supportive environment;
- our commitment to staff engagement and effective team working;
- our track record in creativity and innovation and our ability to successfully implement change and redesign;
- our track record in supporting our staff’s learning, development and career aspirations, from an initial comprehensive three-day corporate induction programme to the availability of a wide range of internal training programmes;
- our commitment to supporting flexible working through a wide range of family friendly policies;
- our commitment to support and improve our staff’s health, safety, wellbeing and resilience. We do this by implementing our Staff Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy, and in our work towards achieving and maintaining the Healthy Working Lives Gold Award.
In addition, our Staff Care and Occupational Health Service provide a range of support and interventions to our staff.
The Staff Governance Standard is embedded and adhered to as part of the governance framework – staff, financial, information and clinical governance – in which NHS Boards operate. The Staff Governance Standard requires all NHS Boards to demonstrate that staff are:
- well informed;
- appropriately trained and developed;
- involved in decisions;
- treated fairly and consistently, with dignity and respect in an environment where diversity is valued;
- provided with a continuously improving and safe working environment, promoting the health and wellbeing of staff, patients and the wider community.
Why work in Ayrshire?
Ayrshire is situated in South-west of Scotland on the Firth of Clyde, and is characterised by 80 miles of varied coastline, picturesque beaches, rolling green hills and islands.
Just a 30-minute drive from Glasgow city centre, Ayrshire is an ideal location for those who want to enjoy city life, with all the benefits of living in a semirural area. Ayr, Irvine and Kilmarnock are the largest towns. However, there are many rural towns, villages and communities throughout the area should you wish to relocate to Ayrshire. Whether you decide to locate to Ayrshire or a neighbouring area, you will find that property prices are more affordable than in other parts of the UK.
Local educational standards are very high at primary and secondary level. However, private education is also available in the area.
Working in Ayrshire provides an easy commute from both Glasgow and the wider central belt. There is an excellent network of both rail and bus links throughout Ayrshire to Glasgow and beyond. There are UK and international flights available from Glasgow Airport, as well as a range of services from Glasgow Prestwick Airport.
Ayrshire provides a wide range of excellent recreational activities: whether you are interested in history and heritage, outdoor pursuits, events and festivals, or simply food and drink, there is something for everyone.
Ayrshire boasts more than 40 quality golf courses, including two Open Championship courses at Turnberry and Royal Troon. For more information on the range of recreational activities in Ayrshire, visit www.visitscotland.com.