Our Trust wins prestigious Pastoral Care Award for supporting international nurses
BWC has been awarded a prestigious NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award for the bespoke support package it offers nurses and midwives who move to the UK to join the Trust.
The programme supports nurses and midwives moving to the UK to join our Women's Hospital, Children's Hospital and Mental Health Services.
Marie Murphy, the Trust's Workforce Lead, explained: "It's a huge thing to move to a different country, sometimes leaving your friends and family, to start a new role.
“The induction and support we provide our international recruits is our number one priority as we're really proud to have achieved the Pastoral Care award."
The Trust has recruited over 200 international nurses and midwives from 2022.
The recruitment team offer enhanced pastoral support, including an online meet and greet sessions before arrival into the UK and six weeks of paid accommodation.
Marie added: "We proud to offer a unique support package that was developed with system partners to ensure we get it right first time.
“All our international nurses are paired with a pastoral 'buddy' on arrival, so they have one-to-one support from the get-go. They are supported to open a bank account and find a GP. They are also introduced to local support networks such as religious groups.
“We also provide free accommodation while they are looking for somewhere permanent and provide hands-on support from a dedicated team to help them through this process."
The high standards the Trust's needed to meet to receive the award has resulted in a highly successful international recruitment programme, with fantastic feedback from our international nurses.
Alphonsa Joseph, staff nurse in our Neonatal Cardiac Ward, moved to the UK from India to join the NHS. She said: "I came to the UK all alone with no family and it was really hard at the beginning but the support I received from the Trust meant a lot to me."
"I received financial assistance and accommodation for when I initially moved over here which was so great. My team have also been so lovely and supportive. I feel really proud at how far I've come. I absolutely love my job and I feel so settled now."
The safe arrival, induction, and provision of support for new people joining the NHS workforce is our number one priority for international recruitment.
The NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award is part of NHS England International Recruitment Programme supporting NHS organisations to increase and develop their international recruitment plans.