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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Psychologist | HMP Onley | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 19 Nov 2025 |
| Bank Pharmacy Technician | HMP Winchester | Prison Healthcare | Casual/Bank | 19 Nov 2025 |
| Bank Pharmacy Technician | Thames Valley HMP Bullingdon | Prison Healthcare | Casual/Bank | 19 Nov 2025 |
| NHS 111 Clinical Advisor | Suffolk NHS 111 Service | NHS 111 | Permanent | 19 Nov 2025 |
| NHS 111 Clinical Advisor | London NHS 111 Service | NHS 111 | Permanent | 19 Nov 2025 |
| NHS 111 Clinical Advisor | South East Coast NHS 111 Service | NHS 111 | Permanent | 19 Nov 2025 |
| NHS 111 Clinical Advisor | South West NHS 111 Service | NHS 111 | Permanent | 19 Nov 2025 |
| Pharmacy Technician | HMP Lewes | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 19 Nov 2025 |
| Outpatient Department Registered Nurse | Practice Plus Group Hospital Southampton | Hospitals, Surgical Centres, MSK and Diagnostics | Permanent | 18 Nov 2025 |
| Pharmacy Technician | HMP Lindholme | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 18 Nov 2025 |
| Advanced Clinical Practitioner | HMP Onley | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 18 Nov 2025 |
| Paramedic | Thames Valley HMP Bullingdon | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 18 Nov 2025 |
| Senior Primary Care Nurse | West Yorkshire HMP Wealstun | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 18 Nov 2025 |
| Bank Mental Health Nurse | HMP Lewes | Prison Healthcare | Casual/Bank | 18 Nov 2025 |
| Senior Mental Health Nurse | HMP Lewes | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 18 Nov 2025 |
| Paramedic | HMP Winchester | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 17 Nov 2025 |
| Early Days in Custody Nurse | HMP Thameside | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 17 Nov 2025 |
| Senior Mental Health Nurse | West Yorkshire HMP Leeds | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 17 Nov 2025 |
| Bank Substance Misuse Nurse | West Yorkshire HMP Leeds | Prison Healthcare | Casual/Bank | 17 Nov 2025 |
| Senior Substance Misuse Nurse | West Yorkshire HMP Leeds | Prison Healthcare | Permanent | 17 Nov 2025 |
News and blogs
You’ll find a wealth of information in our knowledge hub.
