Posted 15 October 2021 - 11:48
Posted 15 October 2021 - 11:48
News
Displaced overseas nurses start new careers in the UK
Nurses granted skilled worker visas take up staff roles at London’s Wellington Hospital
Nurses granted skilled worker visas take up staff roles at London’s Wellington Hospital
Dozens of nurses forcibly displaced by conflict and civil unrest in their home countries are now embarking on new careers in the UK.
The 30-strong group have been granted skilled worker visas to take up staff nurse roles, including across intensive care, oncology and surgical wards at the Wellington Hospital in London.
Opportunity to settle and work in the UK a ‘lifeline’
The new recruits include Firass Labadidi, a Palestinian-born refugee who travelled from Lebanon to take up his new post.
‘Pursuing a nursing career in Lebanon was near-impossible due to my Palestinian refugee status,’ he said. ‘Despite having a master’s degree and almost nine years of training and experience, I was turned away at every point.
‘It’s difficult to put into words what a lifeline this opportunity is for me, both for my career and my livelihood. The first few weeks have been a whirlwind, but I’m so excited to now be settled in and starting off in my new role.’
All the nurses were offered support to find immediate housing in the UK, alongside local community and pastoral support.
Extend programme for displaced nursing staff to other clinical settings
HCA Healthcare UK, which runs the independent Wellington Hospital, worked with non-profit organisation Talent Beyond Boundaries on the programme and plans to extend it to other hospitals and clinics in the future.
John Reay, president and chief executive officer of HCA Healthcare UK, said he is ‘extremely proud’ of the programme, adding: ‘This new partnership demonstrates the invaluable contribution forcibly displaced professionals can bring to our society and economy.’
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