The warm welcome provided to nurses and midwives who come from abroad to work in Bolton has been recognised with an award.

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust has received the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award for supporting international staff.

The accolade reflects the work the trust does in providing the best practice pastoral care as well as support and commitment to its international nurses and midwives.

This includes the trust's international recruitment team maintaining contact with successful candidates, supporting new arrivals with understanding what matters to them and keeping candidates informed of the allocated area of work, suitable accommodation and plan for arrival.

On arrival to Bolton, the trust provides accommodation, a friendly face on arrival, and orientation into the Bolton family, sharing places of interest, transport and other opportunities that enhance their experience.

Vicky Fletcher-Simm, International Recruitment Lead at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We know that moving country is a huge thing to do and want to make sure that our new colleagues feel welcomed into the Bolton family as soon as they begin the recruitment process.

“The team works so hard to provide tailored support to our international recruits to help them so they can help the people of Bolton and beyond.

Chidinma Akpahu, a nurse in Bolton NHS Foundation Trust’s Clinical Decision Unit, said: “From the journey from my country to the UK I was given excellent support from Bolton NHS Foundation Trust. I chose Bolton over two other trusts that I was successful in securing a post at.

“I felt that the team were always there for me, responding to emails and always being supportive and approachable.”

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James Mawrey, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of People at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: “I am so proud of everyone at Bolton for how they welcome our international recruits, but especially the incredible hard work of our dedicated international recruitment team who routinely go above and beyond.

“The enhanced pastoral support they provide makes such a difference during recruitment and on arrival to Bolton, really supporting people’s wellbeing as they settle into life in a new country, often without their existing support network.

“A massive well done to the whole team and thank you for all the work you do helping our international recruits settle into life and work in Bolton.”

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