NHS Highland gets recognition for international recruitment

NHS Highland has been recognised for the way it looks after its workers from overseas – such as three assistant practitioners from Kenya who have become part of the community team in Caithness.

The health board received the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award in recognition of its commitment to providing high-quality pastoral care to internationally recruited staff, during both the recruitment processes and their employment.

Christian Nicolson, NHS Highland’s district manager for Caithness, said: “Nixon Mwaura Mungai, Grace Wairimu Maina and Jane Atieno Mboya have recently joined our community team as assistant practitioners and I’m so pleased to say they are settling in well.

“It is important to ensure everyone who has come from overseas has a positive experience. Diverse, inclusive and safe teams provide better, safe care and, as a board, we ensure that the pastoral support individuals are given is tailored to each person.

“This award shows the dedication of all the staff who have been involved in our recruitment processes and those who are working with Nixon, Jane and Grace now. We pride ourselves on being welcoming and supportive and it is great to have this recognised.”

Nixon said: “I would like to thank NHS Scotland and NHS Highland for their help and warm welcome. My transition has been made much easier thanks to the excellent team and dedicated staff.

“I am excited to learn and grow from such a talented group of individuals. The staff and people of the Town and County Hospital in Wick have been a pleasure to work with.”

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