HIGH quality support for overseas staff coming to work at NHS Forth Valley has been recognised with an award.

The health board has received the NHS Scotland Pastoral Care Quality Award (PCQA), acknowledging the exceptional work of staff in ensuring the safe arrival, induction and provision of support and pastoral care for healthcare staff joining from abroad.

The accolade recognises NHS Forth Valley’s commitment to supporting internationally educated staff with high quality pastoral care at every stage of the recruitment journey and beyond.

Lisa Fairweather, NHS Forth Valley’s international recruitment lead, and nurse educator Sarah Grant are part of a dedicated team providing a wide range of professional and personal support to staff arriving through NHS Scotland’s international recruitment programme,

They provide tailored training and development, support to find accommodation as well as a wide range of other practical and professional support.

Lisa said: “Moving to a new country to work is a huge change and it is therefore important that we provide the necessary advice and support to help make the transition as easy as possible.

“We also listen closely to our international recruits to continuously improve the support we provide and this award demonstrates our ongoing commitment to creating the best possible experience for new and existing international recruits."

To date, the health board has recruited 57 healthcare staff from overseas, including 52 nurses, two midwives and three physiotherapists from countries such as Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Finland and the USA.

There are plans to recruit additional international staff over the next year.