Gemma Birch: HCA and trainee nursing associate, HMP Oakwood
While many youngsters dream of training as a hairdresser, for Gemma Birch the reality did not deliver.
While many youngsters dream of training as a hairdresser, for Gemma Birch the reality did not deliver on the fulfilment she wanted from a career. Then a chance came to study for a career that would help her change the lives of those around her.
“I enjoyed hairdressing and the interaction with lots of other people, but it wasn’t enough. I knew I wanted to give more and so I started taking on care roles in addition. I really enjoyed supporting people with learning disabilities and other challenges.”
Gemma speaking honestly about her career
Gemma decided to commit to a career in care full-time and joined the team at HMP Oakwood. She said: “They are a wonderful team who support each other and are always there for you. It is one of the great things about working here. The other thing is the number of courses that are made available, and the training that is open to us.
“When Practice Plus Group offered me the chance to take on a nursing associate apprenticeship through the Open University, I jumped at it. My colleagues support me and the GPs and senior nurses act as mentors as I shadow them, and they sign off my work as proof for the course of my developing skills.”
Gemma, 27, is enjoying her course so much she is planning to study an extra year in order to become a registered nurse.
She said: “It has been a wonderful chance to revitalise my career and to ensure that, for my working life, I will be able to make a difference to the wellbeing of others.”
Share
Current vacancies
| Job title | Location | Contract type | Schedule type | Closing date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy Assistant | Practice Plus Group Hospital Birmingham | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 8 Mar 2025 |
| Radiographer | Practice Plus Group Hospital Birmingham | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 6 Dec 2024 |
| Bank Sonographer | Practice Plus Group Hospital Birmingham | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Casual/Bank | 23 Nov 2024 |
| Podiatrist – HMP Bullingdon | Thames Valley HMP Bullingdon | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 31 Oct 2024 |
| MSK Physiotherapist | West Midlands HMP Oakwood | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 31 Oct 2024 |
| Ward Care Assistant | Practice Plus Group Hospital Barlborough | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 31 Oct 2024 |
| Registered Nurse – Nights | Practice Plus Group Hospital Barlborough | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 31 Oct 2024 |
| Sonographer | Practice Plus Group Diagnostics Buckinghamshire | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 31 Oct 2024 |
| Pharmacy Technician | HMP Millsike | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 11 Oct 2024 |
| Recovery Worker | HMP Millsike | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 11 Oct 2024 |
| Theatre Practitioner – Bank contract | Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre St Marys Portsmouth | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Casual/Bank | 6 Oct 2024 |
| Substance Recovery Hub Non-Medical Prescriber / Trainee | West Midlands Regional | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 4 Oct 2024 |
| Sterile Services Technician | Practice Plus Group Hospital Emersons Green | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 3 Oct 2024 |
| Clinical Pharmacist | London HMP Wormwood Scrubs | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 2 Oct 2024 |
| Clinical/ Forensic or Counselling Psychologist | HMP Thameside | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 2 Oct 2024 |
| Healthcare Assistant | HMP Bure | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 2 Oct 2024 |
| Recovery Lead | Practice Plus Group Surgical Centre Devizes | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 2 Oct 2024 |
| Healthcare Assistant | West Midlands HMP YOI Brinsford | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 2 Oct 2024 |
| Pharmacy Assistant | HMP Leicester | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 2 Oct 2024 |
| Healthcare Assistant | HMP Stocken | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 2 Oct 2024 |
News and blogs
You’ll find a wealth of information in our knowledge hub.
