WOULD-be graduates and people looking to change career are being urged to use the university clearing system as a gateway into the NHS in the South West.

As students receive their A-level results on Thursday, nurses from the South West are backing a campaign to highlight the many healthcare career options available through UCAS.

And for those not pursuing the graduate route, there are plenty of other ways to join the multitude of health professions, including nursing and midwifery.

All the options are set out on a South West health and care careers website, which covers everything from placements to apprenticeships, with bespoke sections for each locality.

So far this year, 33,560 people in England have applied to study for a nursing degree and 7,290 have applied to become a midwife.

But with plenty of spaces still available, there is room for those who are undecided to join more than 420,000 people already in these professions.

Duncan Burton, the new chief nursing officer for England, said: “Nursing is one of the most rewarding and diverse careers going and alongside midwifery, these professions offer people the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives every day.

“Joining the NHS as a nurse was the best decision I ever made so if you think nursing could be for you, you can search ‘NHS nursing careers’ to find out more about the roles available and how to apply.”