NURSES from the Philippines are celebrating 20 years of service at South Warwickshire University Foundation Trust.
In 2003, an arrangement was made between the UK and Philippine government to recruit overseas nurses.
Twenty years later, SWFT is celebrating the seven nurses from the Philippines who arrived in the UK in March 2003 to start their nursing careers in south Warwickshire.
Christine Plandano, Mary Morales, Zyril Marriot, Sheryll Collett, Nanette Cabatac, Olga Barri and Allan Retirado all have their own story of why they chose to stay at SWFT.
Nanette Cabatac, Theatre Services Team leader, said: “I am grateful for SWFT for the opportunities it has opened for us Filipino nurses. SWFT provided us with excellent training and support to develop our unique skills. This enabled us to deliver outstanding patient care whilst making positive impact on patient lives.
“My journey at SWFT started as an Adaptation Nurse and I am now a Theatre Team Leader for Elective Orthopaedic. I’m so thankful for the opportunities I have received. I am privileged to be working with a great team in which teamwork is highly dynamic, they continue to inspire me. They are not just my colleagues, but friends that became family.
“It is with immense pride as a Filipino nurse that we have achieved this significant milestone of 20 years of service here at Warwick Hospital. I am grateful and incredibly delighted about the years ahead to continue to serve the NHS. I am confident the next ten years will be even more momentous my fellow ‘Warwickpinoy Nurses’.”
Allan Retirado, Staff Nurse, said: “I started working at Warwick Hospital in 2003 as adaptation Nurse. I, together with other Filipino nurses went on to do six months of rigorous conversion training to prepare for the role of Registered General Nurse (RGN). After six months, I got my UK pin number and started practicing as a registered general nurse. I am now working as a senior Theatre Practitioner in Main Theatre.
“Through the years I have met and worked with wonderful, talented leaders who supported me in my career. I have been given the opportunity to develop my skills which nurtured me to be a good team player. I decided to stay at SWFT because the Trust has supported my career development and I believe in its values. Warwick is also a great place to live.”
Olga Barri, Senior Theatre Practitioner, added: “June 13, 2003, was the most exciting moment in my life, leaving my home and family in the Philippines to work in England. When we arrived, they said it was summertime and the weather was bright and sunny but it was freezing cold for me. It was something we hadn’t experienced before, and the first snow experience in winter was an amazing, unforgettable moment.
“All the new experiences and with a little bit of struggles missing home, it was made easy by the warm welcome, support, and respect from my new colleagues at SWFT in the Warwick Hospital Main Theatre.
“This year it will be my 20th year in England, although I still miss my home in Philippines, I wholeheartedly made England my home with my own family now. Warwick Hospital is a huge big part of my life here in England.”
Glen Burley, Chief Executive said: “I am extremely proud to work for a diverse organisation that brings with it a wealth of expertise from all over the world. I would like to express my thanks to Christine, Mary, Zyril, Sheryll, Nanette, Olga and Allan for 20 years of dedication to our Trust. You are all true assets to SWFT and we are extremely grateful you have chosen to continue your careers with us, here’s to the next 20 years.”
