Publish date: 17 July 2023

Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS FT has been formally recognised for its commitment to recruiting and retaining overseas staff.

Launched in 2022, the NHS Pastoral Care Award supports NHS organisations to increase and develop their international recruitment plans.

To be recognised, Trusts must prove their commitment meet standards for best practice pastoral care, which includes help and support for those moving to a new country and educational support once in post.

The award was co-developed with regional and trust international recruitment leads, as well as international nursing and midwifery associations.

Over 100 internationally-trained nurses (pictured) have joined the Trust over the last 12 months, taking up a variety of positions based in Tameside Hospital and the Stamford Unit.

The recognition complements the Trust’s Accelerated Development Programme, which offers further training and support to internationally-trained nurses already working within the Trust and launched early in 2023.

Alex Pinzar, Lead Nurse for Nursing and Midwifery Workforce Development, said: “It is great to see our hard work being formally recognised with a national NHS award.

“We have a wholehearted commitment to our internationally-trained colleagues and this programme helps them to settle in and adapt quicker to a new health system, which shines through in the care they are able to give.

“Along with the Accelerated Development Programme, we are investing significantly in internationally-trained nurses and they form an integral part of our workforce.”

Find out more about the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award via the NHS website.