Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award, by NHS England, that recognises the Trust’s work in international recruitment and the physical and emotional support they provide to new staff joining the Trust from overseas.
This award is part of NHS England and NHS Improvement’s International Recruitment Programme that supports NHS organisations to increase and develop their international recruitment plans. It acknowledges Southern Health’s commitment to providing high-quality pastoral care to internationally educated nurses and midwives during recruitment processes and throughout their employment.
Since April 2020, Southern Health has employed 232 international nurses, supporting them to integrate into life and work in the UK.
Supporting people when they really need it
Gregory Hinds, International Nurse Educator Team Leader at Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, joined the Trust since moving to the UK from Barbados in 2021 and is passionate about supporting people when they really need it. He is now living in Portswood, Southampton.
Gregory said, “I know what it’s like when you are in an unfamiliar environment. You need people to support you to settle into your new life and the new culture.
“It’s great to see our work validated and recognised. I am proud of our team, it is evidence of Southern Health’s high quality and ethical approach to recruitment, pastoral care and education for internationally educated nurses.”
"I know what it’s like when you are in an unfamiliar environment. You need people to support you to settle into your new life and the new culture."
Paula Hull, Director of Nursing at Southern Health, said, “I am very proud of the work that Greg, Randy Agbodo (a Practice Educator for Internationally Educated Nurses) and the team have done to welcome and support some truly incredible colleagues to settle their lives, families and their professional roles here at Southern Health. This amazing group of Mental Health Nurses have been keen to learn new things and have brought ideas and experience to our services. I am pleased to say some have also already been promoted to leadership roles.”
In recognition of his work with international nurses, Gregory has been invited to Buckingham Palace on 14 November 2023, to attend a reception hosted by the King to celebrate the contribution of nurses and midwives (notably international nurses and midwives) working in the UK’s Health and Social Care Sector.