Overseas nurses boost for hospice (From Penarth Times)

Overseas nurses boost for hospice

A PENARTH hospice is at full capacity again with the arrival of 15 nurses from the Philippines.

The staff were recruited by Marie Curie Holme Towers to help the site operate efficiently.

Before the carers came to Britain 15 beds were not used because of a lack of trained workers.

Sanny Cruz, who was a surgical nurse in Manilla said: "I want to work at Holme Towers, so that I can broaden my expertise.

It is a great opportunity for me and it has been a good experience so far."

He added: "The people here have made us feel so welcome and they are so warm hearted."

In Patient Service Manager, Sheila Kenniford said: "We had 15 beds which were not open before the extra nurses came here.

The decision to bring them in from the Philippines was based on good reports from Ty Hafan.

They have successfully employed Filipino nurses at their hospice."

She continued: "The level of education is very high there and it takes five years to qualify as a nurse.

All the carers have degree standard qualifications, and they can speak English."

Another nurse, Romalyn Pasibe, said: "I came to the UK because to work in Holme Tower is a career advancement for me.

The technology here is more advanced that in my country.

I have a sister who also works here, so I know what it is like to live in the UK."

One theme which is unavoidable for all the new recruits is the weather.

Romalyn said: "It is so much colder than the Philippines.

I feel like an Eskimo when I go out with my scarf and extra clothing.

It is 30 degrees back home, but I am sure we will acclimatise to the weather.

And feel very welcome here."