Midwives trained across the globe have joined Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH), bringing increased diversity and expertise to the Trust.
Recruited through NHS England funding, 18 new international midwives were offered additional training as part of a plan to increase staffing levels, skills and diversity in the Trust’s maternity services.
Esther Draycott, Practice Development Midwife and Lead for International Recruitment, said:
“The recruitment of these international midwives has had a huge impact on our midwifery team, diversifying our workforce, improving staffing levels and increasing the level of expertise we have in our team as each midwife brings a wealth of skills from their home country.”
The midwives have joined from countries as far as Ghana, Iran, Hong Kong, South Africa and Zambia.
Upon arriving in the UK, the midwives received additional training to become UK registered, working as student midwives across City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre during their training.
Bernice Waana-ang was a midwife in Ghana for more than two years before coming to the UK. She said: “I decided to travel to the UK to further my career as a midwife. Being able to use specialised equipment and advanced technology is something I am looking forward to.
“Although I am still finding my feet and settling in, I am enjoying it so far. Everyone at NUH has been lovely and very welcoming. I am glad I chose NUH.”
Elmo Angueti, the only male midwife in the cohort, said: “I first started as a nurse on a gynaecology ward and one of my colleagues said I would make a good midwife. I considered it and went for midwifery training. I have never looked back and absolutely love it!”
Relebohile Mokoena, another newly qualified midwife, said: “I am originally from South Africa and had been a midwife for four years. Moving to another country was a big decision but it paid off.
“I am incredibly happy and grateful for the opportunity to move and work in the UK. Midwifery is highly respected, and the opportunities for growth are immense.
“Working at NUH has been one of the best experiences of my career. The support from management and peers has been exceptional.”
Reflecting on the big move the midwives have taken to develop and utilise their skills in the UK, Esther said: “It’s a huge change for the midwives and lots to adjust to, with a new language and culture, and having to find somewhere new to live with their family. The midwives receive lots of support from the international pastoral team when they arrive, to help them find accommodation and schools, for example, and they have really settled into life at NUH well.”