The charity’s interim CEO who has just completed his first ward shift since regaining his nursing registration earlier on this year has paid tribute to the staff he worked with.

Jess Lievesley, who decided to return to nursing after being inspired by the heroic work delivered by staff during the pandemic, completed his first shift on Willow Ward on Thursday.

In a post on the My St Andrew’s Facebook page, he wrote: “Thank you Willow Ward for putting up with a Rookie additional qualified on shift today! As ever you taught me about the realities of your roles and although never in doubt, the compassion you demonstrated for our service users was second to none.”

Jess completed his Return to Nursing Practice programme with the University of Northampton in the summer. The 16-week course gave him the opportunity to revisit his professional roots and update his practice, which meant he could once again register as a nurse again.

Jess said: “Working on the frontline at St Andrew’s gives me a much better understanding of the charity, our patients and some of the challenges my colleagues are facing on a daily basis.

“I am thankful to have this opportunity of returning to my clinical background and I very much enjoyed my first day back on the ward.”