Overseas nurses set to arrive from May
LEICESTERSHIRE Partnership NHS Trust (LPT) is recruiting an additional 48 nurses from overseas this year to help provide care for the population of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
The new staff will cover both physical and mental health roles.
It follows the highly successful introduction of 30 new physical health nurses from abroad at the end of 2021. This was the first time LPT has carried out international recruitment, although many other UK Trusts have been doing this for several years.
All 30 of the initial cohort have now passed the robust formal final practical examination, and have earned full registration as nurses with the Nursing & Midwifery Council UK. They are carrying out full-time roles across LPT’s teams and wards. Prior to taking the final examination and being offered an interview at LPT, they were required to complete and successfully pass two stringent tests set by the NMC UK – English language and clinical competency.
Asha Day, LPT’s lead for international recruitment, said: “All NHS trusts have a substantial shortage of registered nurses, so last year we took our first step in hiring from overseas.
“Already we are gaining a positive reputation for the way we have looked after and supported our new recruits, which has led to some of them recommending LPT to colleagues from back home.
“They are settling well into Leicester life and the local community. Some are bringing their families and children to live with them and hopefully view this as a forever home.”
One of the nurses said: “I am delighted to be part of the LPT team. Initially I was anxious about everything as the culture, accent and everything are different.
“When I came I was overwhelmed by the warm welcome by the international recruitment team. LPT is the best trust where you will feel the difference.”
Another said: “It was a hard journey for me but now I am extremely happy and proud to be a part of LPT. I strongly recommend LPT to anyone who is coming to the UK.”
LPT’s overseas recruitment drive is backed by the NHS. The Government has pledged to recruit an extra 50,000 nurses by March 2024.
Recruitment is focused on particular countries which train more nurses than they need domestically. These countries benefit as the individual nurses usually send cash home to their families.
Although the first 30 recruits came from a variety of countries, most of them had completed their training in India.
Ms Day said: “Leicester’s large Indian community has helped them make the transition to living and working in the UK. I am hoping this will encourage other Indian-based nurses to make LPT their destination.”
The first of this year’s recruits are expected to arrive in May.
For details on all vacancies, including current nurse vacancies, go to: www.leicspart.nhs.uk/jobs/