North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust wins award

The Trust was commended by NHS England for its international recruitment and exceptional pastoral care for overseas nurses, midwives, and Allied Health Professionals.

This recognition underscores NCIC's commitment to providing high-quality care to foreign-educated health professionals both during the recruitment process and throughout their employment.

The honour came in recognition of NCIC's comprehensive package that supports overseas recruits adjust to the clinical and cultural challenges of living and working in a foreign country.

Key among these include assistance with accommodation, transport, GP registration and the opening of a bank account.

The Trust has demonstrated exemplary support even during a global pandemic.

Staff nurse Shery Shaheryar, originally from Pakistan, joined NCIC in March 2021.

He has since praised the Trust for its "great, very supportive and helpful" pastoral care.

He said: “I was given a timetable for bus routes from my accommodation to the hospital.

"The day I arrived, I was given a food pack, which was such a great gesture.

"In addition to this, the Trust organised a social event where we got opportunity to meet other overseas nurses. That was a lovely evening.” “I believe, one thing which stands out the most, is in NCIC they look after you like a mother.

“The pastoral team will consider and acknowledge all your concerns and will do their very best to solve any problems you may encounter.”

Additionally, NCIC organised a social event for overseas nurses providing a platform to acquaint with colleagues, an experience Shery found truly heartwarming.

Anne-Marie Weller, Head of Nursing, Clinical Education and Practice Development applauded the International Nurse Recruitment Project Team for personifying the Trust's values in their daily activities and responding promptly to requests.

Anne-Marie added: “We entered for the award in June. It required detailed evidence of the process and procedures we have developed to support international recruitment. “This is a fantastic award and recognition nationally for the outstanding work we have been involved in and I am very proud of us as a team.”

NCIC has tackled staffing issues by recruiting over 350 international nurses, midwives, Allied Health Professionals, and radiographers since 2021. The aim is to hire over 400 in total.

The Trust's 'grow your own' initiative is also drawing local talents while reducing the nursing vacancy rate to 6.4%, nearly half the national average and a record low in North Cumbria.

Deputy Chief Nurse Georgia Wright acknowledged the hardworking team, lauding the Trust's values of ensuring the best possible welcome for new staff.