Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub plays a part in welcoming new international nurses

Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub has played a role in welcoming the latest cohort of international nurses to Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

The trust’s international nurses scheme has been running for a little over a year and has so far welcomed 75 nurses from India, Zimbabwe and Swaziland to our hospitals.

On their arrival, they are provided with a welcome pack of items to help them adapt to life in the North East. This includes items such as gloves, a hat, scarf, thermal mug and a bedding set that has been produced by our Manufacturing and Innovation Hub.

The hub is known for creating PPE and health garments but they also have the facilities to create non-clinical products, such as blankets and tote bags.

Michelle Triplow-Jones, product development manager said: “We are delighted to have been a part of helping the international nurses feel welcomed to the trust.

“Moving across the world to come and work in our hospitals must be a big adjustment, so producing these bedding sets is a small gesture from us to show our appreciation and welcome them to their new home in the North East of England.”

The packs have been funded by Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, the official charity of the trust. Robert Graham, head of the charity said: “It’s great that our warm welcome packs have made such a big impact.

“Our main aim when developing them was to be able to provide the nurses with a sense of belonging and we’ve been successful in doing that.”

Jenny Locsin, lead nurse for international recruitment said: “Thank you to Bright and the Manufacturing and Innovation Hub for their ongoing support in providing our international nurses with welcome packs.

“It has made a great difference in making them feel welcomed and part of the Northumbria family. They have also expressed their gratitude as it has helped them to adapt to the rainy and colder climate in the North East.”