Earlier this month we welcomed a cohort of colleagues from the Philippines.
Comms took the opportunity to interview them and first up was Faith David.
What made you come to the UK? I worked in the Philippines for nearly five years and I wanted something new and to be able to challenge myself, to meet new people. I think the UK is one of the best countries in the world to do that. And I’ve seen snow for the first time!
What was your job in the Philippines? I was a company nurse for six months in a call centre. I then moved to a hospital working in most divisions, surgery, medicine, paediatrics, maternity and I finally ended up in ICU before coming over to the UK.
What are your impressions so far? Nice, welcoming and warm people. This helps, as I’m still adjusting to the way you all talk and understanding everything.
Are you living in Huddersfield? Yeah, we’re all living in a shared flat in Marsh together, which is good because it’s only a 10 minute walk to the hospital. We didn’t know each other until coming to the UK and now we all get on so well.
Where in the hospital will you be working? I’ll be on MAU acute medicine, which will be interesting and different as we don’t have MAU in the Philippines.
What made you want to be a nurse? My aunt is a nurse in Saudi Arabia, I didn’t know what I wanted to do after leaving school and she inspired me, I love caring for people and helping them.
Second in the hot seat was Lenyel Barut.
What made you come to the UK? I want to continue my practice, allow my career to progress and I wanted to experience in the UK. My wife is a nurse in Dubai so I decided I wanted to work abroad and experience what it’s like. We’ve been married for 2 years however we’ve probably only spent about a year of time together since we got married as we both work in different countries.
Where did you work in hospital in the Philippines? I worked in the Operating theatres. Me and my wife worked in the same hospital and that was how we met.
What are your impressions so far? The weather is cold but the people are warm. Everyone I’ve met in the Trust up to now has looked after me, everyone is so friendly making settling in so much easier this first week.
Where in the hospital will you be working? I’ll be going to ward 8 for elderly patients. It will be interesting and I am looking forward to the new journey.
What made you want to be a nurse? I originally took up computer science but I decided it wasn’t for me, I then looked at medicine but it was too expensive. So instead I looked at nursing and fell in love as soon as I started.
And finally we met Renato lgaya
What made you want to come to the UK? I worked in Saudi Arabia for two years and I wanted to try out western countries. I first looked into New Zealand but I got offered the opportunity to come to the UK so I jumped at the opportunity. My cousin lives in London so I’ve heard lots of great things.
Where in hospital have you worked previously? I’ve worked in medical, surgery, theatres, neurology and orthopaedic so most of it really haha.
What are your impressions so far? People are so nice, warm and welcoming. I’ve noticed that the standards in healthcare are high, especially in practice and principles.
Where in the hospital will you be working? I’ll be going to ward 6, the short stay unit.
What made you want to be a nurse? I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for my college diploma. When I was young I really wanted to be a flight attendant but height isn’t exactly on my side and I’m not tall enough. I love surgery, blood and everything about it. I know it’s gross but I love to watch!