NHS leaders in London and and Kingston are urging students who received their A-Level results yesterday to consider a career in nursing.

The NHS says it has worked with universities this year to offer more than 7,000 extra nursing places in higher education from September.

The announcement is part of the NHS 'Long Term Plan' to build a workforce for the future of the health service and is being supported supported by its successful ‘We are the NHS recruitment campaign’.

Over 60,000 students secured a place through clearing last year and the NHS is urging people at a crossroads to join the health service.

Sally Brittain, Director of Nursing and Quality at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, described how fulfilling her time spent working as a nurse and midwife at Kingston Hospital had been.

"As a registered nurse and midwife, I know that nursing is an incredibly rewarding profession.

"I am immensely proud of our caring, committed team here at Kingston Hospital who provide outstanding care for our patients every day; going over and above to ensure that patients, their carers and families are safe, cared for and listened to," she said.

Ms Brittain went on to urge recent A-Level students to consider the benefits of careers in nursing and midwifery.

Along with the rewarding nature of the work, a massive variety of options within those fields was one of the key attractions, she said.

"To anyone considering a degree in nursing following receiving their A-level results today, I would say go for it — not only does it lead to an immensely fulfilling career but it also offers a huge variety of options within the various fields of nursing and midwifery," Ms Brittain said.

Launching last year, the 'We are the NHS' campaign has resulted in a 4.5 per cent increase in nursing applications.

That included a 9 per cent rise in male nursing applicants as well as the number of 18 year olds applying going up by a fifth.

Nikki Kanani, acting director of primary care for the NHS said:

"Joining the NHS was the best career decision I ever made and every single day being part of this amazing community that makes incredible things happen gives me a sense of pride I couldn’t get working anywhere else.

"To all students considering their options I say this, the NHS is ready to welcome you into our community with open arms."

The campaign is encouraging those going through clearing to Search Nursing Careers to find out more about the huge opportunities offered in modern nursing.