EFFORTS to embrace and support internationally-educated nurses in Dorset has led to a prestigious award.

Dorset HealthCare is the first NHS trust in the county to be acknowledged for its dedication to welcome international nurses and midwives, with the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award.

The initiative aims to standardise the quality and delivery of pastoral care for international staff across the country and is awarded to trusts which demonstrate they meet a set of high standards for best practice and are committed to supporting international colleagues at every stage of their recruitment and beyond.

Maria Thomas-Smith, international recruitment lead at Dorset HealthCare, said: “We take great pride in this award. We are committed to supporting our wonderful international nurses from the start of their journey and throughout their career, enabling them to excel in their roles.

“And we are very grateful to our international colleagues for their feedback and assistance, enabling us to continually improve what we do.”

Christy Thomas, a mental health nurse from India, has been with the Trust for a year.

She said: “I am very happy to be part of team Dorset HealthCare. From the day I passed the interview up until now, I have had tremendous support and guidance from the Trust.

“It has made my journey much easier, and I thank everyone who has helped me along the way.”

Internationally-educated nurses can find out more about joining the Trust’s team delivering community and mental health care across Dorset by emailing dhc.internationalrecruitment@nhs.net.

More information about the award can be found on the NHS England website at www.england.nhs.uk/nursingmidwifery/international-recruitment/nhs-pastoral-care-quality-award/