A CAMPAIGN has been launched to encourage former nurses in the region to return to the profession.

Return to Practice (RTP) courses allow people who have been out of nursing to rejoin the NHS.

Louise Laidler left in 1984 to raise a family.

Two years ago, she embarked on an RTP course at the University of Teesside and has now been made RTP coordinator for the Durham and Teesside Education Consortium.

She supports people through their journey back into the NHS by helping them sort out any available financial support and assisting them to find jobs.

Mrs Laidler said: "Just thinking about coming back can be quite a daunting prospect, especially to someone who has been out of the NHS workplace for many years.

"But I can reassure them that there are people just like me whose job it is simply to support them and give them confidence as they go through the process of retraining and returning to practice."

There are around 35,000 potential nurse, midwife and other health professionals in the Northern and Yorkshire region.

For details contact NHS Careers, on 0845 6060655, or visit the website at www.nhs.uk/careers