International nurses join NSFT
A group of 23 new nurses from India, Nigeria and the Philippines are to start work in Norfolk and Suffolk as part of an NHS international recruitment project.
The 23 nurses will work in NSFTs' adult and older people’s mental health wards across the region.
Three nurses are already working at Wedgewood House in Bury St Edmunds, some are set to start work at NSFT in September while others will start their careers later this year.
Their recruitment comes as part of international recruitment project spearheaded by NHS England and Improvement.
Diane Hull, chief nurse at NSFT, said “I would like to welcome the new nurses who are joining us as part of our international recruitment campaign and thank them for choosing to work with us.
“We are absolutely committed to supporting them, ensuring there are robust induction, support and development programmes in place which will enhance their skills and expertise whilst helping them to settle in to their new working environments.
“We are really excited and hope these three nurses are the first of many who we will welcome in to NSFT.”
Current international nursing staff includes people from the Philippines, India and across Africa.
Helen Dove, Recruitment and medical HR manager said: "We have had success with overseas recruitment of doctors and are learning lots about international nurse recruitment
“When they first arrive, they will quarantine, while we support them online before beginning their trust training. We offer pastoral support, arrange initial accommodation and help them settle into life in the area as well as in their clinical role.”
Sheeja Thankamoni, one of the nurses recruited from overseas, currently working in Bury St Edmunds commented: “The hospital atmosphere and staff are very lovely, respectful and ready to teach me each and everything.
“I am so pleased to work for NSFT and I should say I am very lucky person.”