Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (WUTH) has been awarded the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award.
This has been awarded to recognise the Trust’s work in international recruitment and their commitment to providing high-quality pastoral care to internationally educated nurses during the recruitment processes and their employment.
Since February 2021, WUTH has been recruiting nurses from overseas during their recent recruitment drive. The completion of the project at the end of 2022, has seen 280 nurses arrive in Wirral.
The first groups to arrive faced the restrictions in place because of the pandemic. This meant that they were brought from the airport to the accommodation at Arrowe Park where they were entered quarantine. So, in addition to leaving home and families, they were not allowed to leave their flat until 10 days after their arrival and with negative COVID-19 tests.
During this time and for the next weeks and months, they were supported by the International Recruitment Pastoral Lead, Jennifer Merritt, who coordinated their induction, training and competency testing, in addition to taking care of their day to day needs and queries. Settling in to a new job presents challenges and with the addition of leaving home and family and the additional challenge presented by the COVID-19 pandemic meant that this care and support was vital to these new recruits.
All the new nurses have successfully passed the language and competency tests that are required to be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in order to be able to practice nursing in England. These nurses have also completed their induction training are now working in wards and departments at WUTH’s Arrowe Park and Clatterbridge sites.
Tracy Fennell, Chief Nurse at Wirral University Teaching Hospital said, “Today, 3 March is NHS Overseas Workers Day, we celebrate the contributions of all our international colleagues throughout the Trust. We are delighted to have welcomed our International Nurses and are grateful that they chose to come and join us here at Wirral University Teaching Hospital.
“They have helped us to fill vacancies in our nursing staff throughout the Trust and are now valued members of the nursing teams. I’d like to thank all my colleagues here at WUTH for making them welcome and helping them adjust to work and life here on the Wirral.”
She continued, “The NHS Pastoral Quality Award recognises the support and care we at WUTH provide to these nurses. I wish them success and look forward to seeing them taking opportunities to further their careers here with us.”
Image: (L-R) Jennifer Merritt, Workforce Facilitator and Tracy Fennell, Chief Nurse pictured holding the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award
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