UK

NHS relies on overseas workers just like Windrush era, says nursing director

Despite demand for their skills stories of overseas nurses receiving racial abuse from patients are still common

THE NHS is still heavily dependent on overseas workers just like during the Windrush-era, a leading director of nursing has said.

Dionne Daniel, Director of Nursing for the Fundamentals of Care at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals, says that a large number of job vacancies exist in the healthcare sector and staff shortages have made it crucial to recruit nurses from overseas, particularly from regions such as the Caribbean.

This international recruitment strategy has become an essential component in efforts to build and sustain the NHS workforce ensuring that patient care standards are maintained.

She said: “There are still huge vacancies today and we are dependent on international nurses to work for the NHS.”

Daniel was speaking after the launch of a new app launched by St George’s, Epsom, and St Helier hospitals aimed at providing overseas nurses with more support after they arrive in the UK.

The ‘Ask Aunty’ app pairs newly arrived staff with a colleague who can help them settle into life in the UK. Through its innovative platform, the app facilitates invaluable connections between experienced colleagues, affectionately referred to as “Aunties,” and those embarking on their journey in a new country, offering a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to help newcomers navigate the intricacies of life in the UK.

According to Daniels, although the demand for overseas health professionals is high, many still encounter significant discrimination which not only affects their professional experiences but also poses challenges to their ability to settle into life in the UK.
Racial abuse

She says this echoes the experience of people like her aunt Yvonne, a member of the Windrush generation, who was trained in both nursing and midwifery, and came here from the Caribbean to work as a nurse.

Speaking about her aunt’s experience as an employee of the NHS she said: “Over the years, she’s shared with me some of her experiences including patients refusing to be cared by her and racially abusing her, as well as when she bought her house, as the first Black person on the street, people in the area moved away.”

She added: “Sadly some of the stories she has told me, I still hear similar ones these days from new starters in the NHS.”

Support

Daniel said she was pleased to see the launch of the Ask Aunty app.

“As we remember those who came here many years ago, it is encouraging to see initiatives – such as Ask Aunty – to support those health care professionals who are still coming to work in the NHS” she said.

The healthcare specialist shared fond memories of her aunt including “Caribbean people coming together for parties and supporting each other through difficult times.”

“When she wasn’t working in the NHS, she was very much involved with her local church and community.

“My aunt served in the NHS for several years and raised her family in the UK, and is now enjoying time with her grand and great-grandchildren.”

She added: “My aunt and her generation made a very positive contribution to the NHS and society, and I hope that we never forget this.”