Publish date: 1 March 2024
On 1 March 2024 we celebrate NHS Overseas Workers Day. NHS Overseas Workers Day recognises the incredible contributions of foreign nationals to our NHS. We are incredibly proud of the work we do with our international members, and appreciate their dedication to our National Health Service.
Today we meet Karen and Christiane, two colleagues from overseas who are part of our specialised diagnostic service in Endoscopy.
Before moving to the UK, Karen worked for eight years in Dubai as a dental nurse but found the lifestyle, culture and opportunities weren’t suited to her. Moving to the UK was an easy choice for Karen who had friends here and heard about the welcoming people and excellent nursing practise in the NHS.
Karen whose family and life are now firmly rooted in Blackpool said: “The weather is so different from Dubai but unlike Dubai, Blackpool is a very laid-back place to work. I have an excellent work-life balance and opportunities to do what I love alongside my career.”
“The Endoscopy team here in Blackpool has been so welcoming - encouraging me to learn more about the speciality and enhance my skills by exposing me to new things. They don’t care about the colour of my skin, my accent or that I have a different culture - they have welcomed me and I really appreciate how nice everyone has been.”
Christiane Patoc, is also a Staff Nurse in Endoscopy at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals.
Tiane, was born in the Philippines where she graduated as a registered nurse in 2012. In August 2022 Tiane brought a decade of nursing experience to Blackpool where she has since settled into a role she is passionate about with amazing support from colleagues and friends.
Tiane chose to move to the UK after exploring other opportunities around the world, it was thanks to the support offered that Blackpool has now become Tiane’s home.
Tiane said: “Blackpool is quieter compared to back home in the Philippines, the people are very welcoming and if you need help people are willing to help - it wasn’t hard for me to settle in. There is also a fantastic Philippine community in Blackpool that is very close and supportive of each other.”
Endoscopy is very new to Tiane, before securing a role in the department she worked on a ward in the hospital but has since found this new role to be a much better fit: “The Endoscopy team has been very welcoming, it is a great time for gastro with lots of opportunities and potential to specialise.”
Tiane along with the other international nurses at BTH are welcomed by their cultural network who are proud to offer a close-knit community for overseas workers and encourage anyone feeling unsettled or considering a career in Blackpool to reach out.
