The latest group of nurses recruited from overseas were recently welcomed to NHS Forth Valley. All eight qualified nurses, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, were recruited as part of a national Scottish Government initiative to increase international recruitment and support the delivery of health services across Scotland.

This brings the total number of healthcare staff recruited from overseas over the last few years to work in a wide range of local health services across NHS Forth Valley to 55. The latest group of nurses come from India, Iran and Trinidad and Tobago and will undertake a comprehensive induction and training programme over the next few months before taking up their full-time roles in a range of local wards and departments across Forth Valley Royal Hospital.

NHS Forth Valley recently received a NHS Scotland Pastoral Care Quality Award in recognition of the exceptional work local staff within NHS Forth Valley carry out to ensure the safe arrival, induction and provision of support and pastoral care for healthcare staff joining the Health Board from abroad. This includes tailored training and development, support to find accommodation as well as a wide range of practical and professional support to help staff adjust to living and working in Forth Valley.

Sarah Grant, NHS Forth Valley’s Nurse Educator for International Recruitment, said: “We are delighted to welcome the latest group of qualified nurses recruited from overseas who have chosen to work in NHS Forth Valley.

“We know from feedback from local staff, patients and visitors that the healthcare professionals recruited from overseas are making a positive difference and they, along with the many recently qualified nursing staff who are joining us from local universities, will helping us to deliver a wide range of services.”

Additional Information

Photo caption – Lisa Fairweather, NHS Forth Valley’s International Recruitment Lead, (far left) and Sarah Grant, NHS Forth Valley’s Nurse Educator for International Recruitment (far right) are pictured with the latest group of nurses recruited from overseas who have chosen to work in NHS Forth Valley.

The international recruitment programme is being carried out ethically in line with the Scottish Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Health and Social Care Personnel. This ensures NHS Scotland does not recruit from countries with their own qualified healthcare staffing shortages.

As well as India, Iran and Trinidad and Tobago, NHS Forth Valley has welcomed healthcare professionals from Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.