Nurses celebrate clocking up 20 years of working for hospitals
A group of Filipino hospital nurses at hospitals in Sunderland are celebrating over 20 years living and working in the UK.
Thirty three nurses – who were among the very first to join what is now South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust – are still working there and celebrated the milestone with a virtual ceremony, attended by the Chief Nursing Officer for England, Ruth May.
Shesaid:“Iwasdelightedto attend the 20th-anniversary celebrations of colleagues at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust. It was fantastic to hear their stories and to see how much they are valued by the organisationfortheirimportantcontributions.
“My congratulations to all those celebrating. Your hard work and commitment to patient care is truly valued.”
Ms May added: “International nurses have been a part of our NHS for many years and there are now over 28,000 Filipino nurses on the permanent register,an11%increaseonthe previous year. We are lucky to have you.”
Mayflor Bernal joined the Trust in 2001 at 22-years-old toworkasanadaptationnurse – progressing to junior sister, then ward manager, and has recentlybeenappointedasthe Trust’s lead nurse for international nurses.
She said: “I am delighted to celebrate 20 years of service at
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.
“The work can be a challenge
and exhausting, but it allows me to work with some amazing people and make a
difference in their lives. Seeing their smiles, their appreciation and hearing them laugh is more than enough to keep me going.”
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust employs 603 registered international nurses, 421 of which are from the Philippines.
Melanie Johnson, the Trust’s director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, said: “We are hugely indebted to our Filipino nurses for the excellent care and support they have provided to our patients and their loved ones over the last 20 years. They are a fantastic asset and played a vital role throughout the pandemic.
“We are so proud that they have made Sunderland their home. This is an incredible milestone to reach and we congratulate them and thank them for their dedication.”