WALES' largest employer - the NHS - has launched a week-long drive to promote careers in what health minister Jane Hutt called "a vital and important public service."

Schoolchildren, people contemplating a change of career and former NHS staff who would like to return to the service are all being targeted during NHS Open Week.

Recruitment and retention is a key issue across the service, especially in attracting the doctors, nurses and other health specialists of the future.

Ms Hutt came to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital to launch the initiative and speak to Gwent youngsters who are considering a future in the NHS.

Among them were Megan Burgess, Joanna Davies and Rebecca Wheeler, who attend St Joseph's RC Comprehensive School in Newport. Although only 15, the trio have their eyes on careers in ophthalmology, dentistry and radiology respectively.

"I've wanted to get into something like this for a while now. Coming to the hospital gives us a chance to see what goes on," said Megan.

"We start GCSEs next year, so we're making choices about the subjects we need to do to pursue these careers," said Joanna.

Also at the launch was fourth year medical student Sasha Rossaye, who is doing her paediatrics training at the Royal Gwent.

"I want to be a paediatrician, so I'm really enjoying my time here and the staff are great," said Sasha, originally from Bridgend.

"My base is the University Hospital of Wales, but like all the other medical students I've been to several hospitals to do different parts of my training.

"Later this year I'm going to the Solomon Islands to do my elective training and I'm really looking forward to that.

"I've wanted to be a doctor since I was four, and luckily I've been able to pursue that goal. My advice to anyone considering a career in the NHS would be to go for it."

Pupils from St Joseph's, and comprehensive schools across Gwent, are taking part in a competition called Careers In Your Eyes which involves writing about what health jobs they would like and why. It is among dozens of NHS Open Week events across Wales. Recruitment and careers seminars take place at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, on Thursday, 6.30pm-8.30pm, and at Caerphilly District Miners Hospital on Saturday April 20, noon-4.30pm, as part of the hospital's annual open day.

PICTURE: Health Minister Jane Hutt, right, and medical student Sasha Rossaye meet St Joseph's Comprehensive students Megan Burgess, left, and Joanne Davies at the Royal Gwent Hospital where NHS Open Week was launched