A group of international nurses who began their careers with North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust have spoken about their first year in their new roles.
More than 140 nurses have now joined the trust from overseas and are settling in well to life in Carlisle and their working life at the city’s Cumberland Infirmary and Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital.
They have come to the UK from a range of different countries including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Philippines, Hong Kong, Kenya, Guyana, Malawi.
Doonia Vinod John was one of the first nurses to arrive in the UK a year ago. She works at the Cumberland Infirmary.
She said: “The first year in UK has been really challenging. It took us time to adopt to the new system.
“Apart from work, I settled into my home and got to know some of the places around me. I enjoyed almost everything about being here. One of my best moments has been spending time with friends and having been able to celebrate Diwali with the Indian community in Carlisle has been wonderful.
“Looking back, I see how far I have come from when I first arrived. I’ve learnt a lot. I really do feel confident than I was before. I miss my family and the sunny weather of course.”
Doonia is currently getting ready to celebrate Christmas.
She said: “India, being a country with diverse culture, celebrates everything – and Christmas is no less. We decorate our houses, put up stars, sing Christmas carols and have dinner with family and friends.”
Nurse Johnny Nyaaba arrived in Carlisle from Ghana in February – and despite being here for 11 months – he’s still getting used to the cold.
He said: “I enjoy the serene, peaceful environment of Carlisle. Nobody is seen rushing on the streets, yet the people look happy. I think that is good for the body and mind.
“However, Carlisle is very cold. Cold weather is not my best friend. You know, coming from Africa where the weather could be really warm. I tell people I am always freezing here in Carlisle.”
Johnny, who recently took centre stage in one of the trust’s Learn by Lived Experience sessions, said he has had some great moments this year but two stand out for him.
He said: “First, is having my family join me over here; second, is getting the opportunity to celebrate Black History Month in collaboration with NCIC. There two moments were phenomenal.”
He said he was now fully immersed in the work culture, ethics and practice.
He added: “Nonetheless, I keep learning new things every day. There is always room for improvement. In the end, I feel more confident, and poised for the future.
“I miss the warm weather and the local dishes of Ghana though.”
Johnny does not celebrate Christmas but he will be having a little party with his family on New Year’s Day.
Ancy Thomas came to the UK from Kerala in India. She works at the Cumberland Infirmary.
She said: “It has been an unforgettable journey in the middle of COVID but I’ve had lots of new experiences and been able to understand a different culture with some great people. I have settled well in my job and learnt new things so I am able to provide better care to my patients.
“I have found it difficult to adjust to the weather but apart from that life in Carlisle is a great experience for me. I also missed my family when I was sick for a month.
“The best moment this year was a trip to Glamis Castle in Scotland. I was able to witness 1,000 years of history and this was an unforgettable moment in my life.
“I am planning to make a Christmas shopping trip to Edinburgh and I will be celebrating Christmas with my friends and their family. I am planning to arrange a dinner party on December 25. I hope it will be a great Christmas for us.”
Beth Woodhall, onboarding and pastoral support assistant at NCIC, said: “We will have 197 international nurses by the end of March.
“They are settling in well and getting used to the UK winter weather! Many of our nurses enjoyed their first experience of snow a few weeks back which was very special.
“The main struggle for the nurses is finding long term accommodation and furnishing their new homes so any support from the local communities is much appreciated.”
