Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust's international nurses scheme has welcomed 75 nurses from countries including India, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland to its hospitals over the last year.
On arrival, these healthcare professionals received a welcome pack containing items such as gloves, a hat, scarf, thermal mug and a bedding set.
These items are made at Northumbria Healthcare Manufacturing and Innovation Hub, which typically produces PPE and health garments.
Michelle Triplow-Jones, the hub's product development manager, said: "We are delighted to have been a part of helping the international nurses feel welcomed to the trust.
“Moving across the world to come and work in our hospitals must be a big adjustment, so producing these bedding sets is a small gesture from us to show our appreciation and welcome them to their new home in the North East of England.”
The packs are funded by Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity, the official charity of the trust.
Robert Graham, head of the charity, said: “Our main aim when developing them was to be able to provide the nurses with a sense of belonging and we’ve been successful in doing that.”
Jenny Locsin, lead nurse for international recruitment, said: “Thank you to Bright and the Manufacturing and Innovation Hub for their ongoing support in providing our international nurses with welcome packs."
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