A NEW holiday package offered by a nursing home in Scarborough is proving popular.

Saint Cecilia's last month announced a "golden hello" for nurses in an effort to buck the national nurse recruitment crisis.

Their recruitment campaign offers new nurse recruits a free holiday in the sun before they start work, and it is already paying dividends.

Saint Cecilia's launched the package on Saturday, April 21 to coincide with Care Home Open Day and several potential candidates have already applied.

Managing director Mike Padgham said: "The package really seems to have caught the imagination and we have already got some candidates lined up for interview just a few days into the campaign.

"We've been really pleased with the response and I think those who are applying are pleased to see an employer going the extra mile to attract good applicants during the current recruitment crisis."

The enticing welcome package offers a holiday, plus a car, a £31,000 per annum salary and other benefits for registered nurses.

Mr Padgham said: "Recruiting good nursing staff is extremely tough at the moment - the hardest it has been in living memory - and you have to go the extra mile if you want to attract good applicants."

Saint Cecilia's is looking to recruit at least two registered nurses to work at the home, which provides nursing care for up to 44 residents with acute and life-limiting illnesses.

The home is part of the Saint Cecilia's family of Scarborough-based care services, which also includes a care home and Saint Cecilia's day care.