In the heart of the Black Country, an extraordinary journey unfolds as a local NHS Trust embarks on a mission to address the shortage of mental health nurses.
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has turned to the global stage, recruiting 15 international mental health nurses from countries as far as Kenya, India, Saudi Arabia, and Tanzania.
The initiative showcases the Trust’s commitment to enhancing mental health care through diversity and expertise.
The Trust’s Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, Manny Gnanaraj who led the initiative, also began his journey as an international nurse in 2003, with just £5 in his pocket. His story is a powerful reminder of the potential within each individual, inspiring both current and future international recruits.
Manny, along with colleagues from the Trust’s wider recruitment team, have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the nurses not only arrive in the country, but also feel welcomed and supported as they transition into their new roles.
Carolyn Green, Chief Nurse at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “I want to express my sincere thanks to the international staff for their sacrifices, leaving behind their families and communities to help our Black Country community.
“This initiative speaks volumes about our Trust's ethos of growth, learning, and inclusivity and we will continue to explore the possibility of international recruitment to help bolster our Trust's workforce and improve the experience of care in our region.
“I hope that the Black Country can become a wonderful new home for our international recruits.”
Jeremy Vanes, Chair of Black Country Healthcare, said: “The diverse heritage of the Black Country population and the evolving landscape of nursing is something to be really proud of.
“We are dedicated to integrating our international nurses into the fabric of the Trust’s care model and remain committed to innovation and excellence in mental health care.
“Congratulations to our newest recruits. We are delighted they have chosen to nurse within Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.”
If you would like to start your nursing journey, or are a nurse who is looking to move into the field of mental health, visit https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/working-for-us/view-current-vacancies to view the Trust’s latest vacancies.
