Staff at Paulton Memorial Hospital were joined by members of its League of Friends to celebrate the hospital’s 150-year anniversary and welcome their new cohort of international nurses.

HCRG Care Group - which runs some services from the hospital, including the inpatient wards – welcomed four nurses, who have joined from the Philippines as part of the International Recruitment programme. At a celebration event organised by the League of Friends, former patients and staff looked back on the hospital’s 150-year history and gave a warm welcome to the new recruits. Afternoon tea was served to patients and their visitors to share in the hospital celebrations.

Joanna Nuarin, who joined Paulton nursing team in September said: “It’s been really overwhelming – it was a big decision to make, but my team and the community have been extremely welcoming since the first day I got here. I’m very grateful to the medical team for being supportive and guiding the international nurses through a new job in a new country. I did some research before I came, but I’m still amazed by the spectacular views around Paulton, the houses, the people and most of all, the weather!”

Sarah Wardle, Chief Nursing Officer said: “I am immensely proud to meet our nurses as we mark a new chapter in Paulton Hospital’s history. The nurses are all qualified and experienced in their home countries and bring a wealth of knowledge. A diverse workforce benefits us all and it’s been amazing to see everyone make them feel at home. As we celebrate Paulton Memorial Hospital’s legacy today, I’m delighted that we can welcome new nurses, and look forward to an even brighter future.”

Helen Hunt, Ward Manager said, “The nurses that we have recruited from the Philippines are a massive boost to Paulton Hospital. We are really glad they have chosen to come here. I hope they enjoy the warm welcome from the community on the hospital’s landmark birthday.”

Gilly Gould, Chair of the League of Friends said, “It was a wonderful event and a fitting celebration of Paulton’s Community Hospital. It was great to see and chat with past and present staff and League of Friends members, who combined, have covered more than fifty years of the hospital’s history.”