A huge recruitment drive has been launched by an Orpington hospital that will see hundreds of new nursing jobs brought to the borough.

The Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) in Farnborough Common has announced to News Shopper it is undergoing a "massive" initiative to attract 250 new employees.

It hopes to see nurses, including newly qualified as well as established sisters and matrons, join the team in a "bid to enhance patient care and satisfaction" and "drive up standards".

It comes as part of a £3.5 million investment in extra nursing staff at PRUH, championed by King’s College Hospital, which took control in October last year.

Deputy director of nursing Paula Townsend said the move to establish a larger setup was always on the agenda.

She explained: "A vital element of a high-performing hospital is excellent nursing staff.

"Our desire to recruit 250 new nurses was part of our plan when we took over the running of the PRUH.

"We are looking for talented and enthusiastic nurses who are committed to delivering high quality, compassionate care to our patients."

She added she hopes local skills are utilised, noting: "We want to tap into the talent we have locally and show them that the PRUH is a great place to work."

Head of nursing for the medicine division Helen Mencia, 41, from New Eltham, said the new roles will "relieve pressure" and provide better continuity in the team by reducing the reliance on temporary positions.

She told News Shopper: "I think it will be a massive morale boost here – we’ve had a long period of having a lean service.

"We’ve been relying on bank and temporary staff and having a more permanent team can only be a good thing.

"We’ve got some great staff and the impact will have is really positive. It can only improve care at the hospital. You can’t put a price on it."

The trust is set to hold a recruitment day at PRUH on Saturday April 26 and hopes to talk to prospective nurses.

Earlier this year a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection reported staff were pleased to be a part of KCH, highlighting high standards and improving levels of service.

The trust is also recruiting additional staff at nearby Orpington Hospital.