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Praise for supporting internationally educated NHS staff
Our Trust has been awarded the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award in recognition of its commitment to providing high-quality pastoral care for internationally educated nurses and midwives.
Launched in March 2022 by NHS England and NHS Improvement as part of their International Recruitment Programme, the award helps standardise the quality and delivery of pastoral care across England.
We are proud to be one of the first in the region to receive the award, after having been identified as operating ‘best practice’, as set by NHS international recruitment leads and international nursing and midwifery associations.
This award showcases our support and appreciation of international colleagues and the unique contribution they bring to the organisation.
Diane Last, head of clinical education , and her education team colleagues, Gill Cooksey and John Songkip, along with Sophie Riley from the recruitment team, have been singled out for praise for their impressive commitment to the career development and pastoral wellbeing of their colleagues from around the world.
Diane Last commented:
“I am so proud that the team has been given this award. We work extraordinarily hard to provide support during both the recruitment process and then transition into employment.
“The support includes weekly meetings for staff before joining to ensure a smooth transition; local housing advice and signposting for those bringing family and loved ones; a colleague buddy system and programmes to promote professional development.”
We also have other ways to help staff joining from overseas. The My WiSH charity supports the ‘Safe Spaces’ programme, which is part of a regional initiative in partnership with NHS England and NHS Improvement. The charity has also funded an additional post in the staff psychology support service, with a specific focus on reaching out to international colleagues.
Jeremy Over, director of workforce and communications, and Sue Wilkinson, chief nurse, said: “We are delighted to have been highlighted within the region and recognised for the pastoral care we provide for our international colleagues. We cannot express the appreciation we have for our internationally educated staff, and the talent, dedication and enthusiasm they bring to the Trust every day.
“Our recruitment and education teams work extremely hard to ensure those joining the Trust from overseas receive a warm welcome, and are supported as they begin their career in the NHS. Additionally, these teams work closely with them to make sure they feel cared for and benefit from as many career development opportunities as possible.”
We also work collaboratively with partners across the region to support international colleagues. Lisa Nobes, director of nursing, and Amanda Lyes, director of workforce, at the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “Everyone at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust should be proud of receiving this award, and its recognition for the welcome and support given to nursing and midwifery colleagues joining from overseas.
“Staff are at the heart of our NHS, and this joint effort between workforce and nursing teams to ensure a happy and confident workforce is one of the best ways to deliver high quality patient care.
“It’s pleasing too that West Suffolk joins Ipswich and Colchester hospitals in receiving this award, highlighting that our patch positively welcomes staff from across the world who will be an asset to the NHS locally.”
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