Philippine nurses mark 25 years caring for North East patients

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 12:30 · Archive

A group of nurses recruited from the Philippines 25 years ago continue to care for patients across North East hospitals.

A group of nurses recruited from the Philippines to tackle staffing shortages in North East hospitals are marking 25 years of caring for patients in the region. The nurses arrived in 2001 through a national drive to fill vacancies and began their NHS careers at University Hospital of Hartlepool and University Hospital of North Tees.

Many have since raised families in Teesside while continuing to work across the region. Maria Antonette Baldonasa, known as Monette, was among the first cohort to arrive in September 2001. She is now a matron in North Tees's critical care unit, having previously worked in Hartlepool's department.

Ms Baldonasa described the difficulty of leaving her family behind. She said: 'I had to leave behind my two-and-a-half-year-old and one-year-old daughters, as well as my husband and the rest of my family.' However, she said her experience upon arrival was positive. She said: 'When I arrived in Hartlepool, the critical care team made me feel that I was part of their family. They made me feel valued, supported and cared for.'

She credited her colleagues with helping her settle and progress in her career. She said: 'I was fortunate to work with incredible people who had so much knowledge and experience, but, more importantly, people with good hearts. Their support helped me achieve my goals and overcome the many challenges along the way.'

Ms Baldonasa reflected on what their presence means more broadly. She said: 'Our story is a reminder that when people feel welcomed, valued, respected and included, they can thrive.' The milestone marks a significant period of contribution by Philippine-trained nurses to the NHS in the North East.

How it is being reported

• Philippine nurses mark 25 years of caring for North East patientsPhilippine-trained nurses in Teesside mark 25 years with the NHS, celebrating careers at North Tees and Hartlepool hospitals and the community they call home.The Northern Echo · 16 Oct, 05:00
• Philippine nurses mark 25 years of caring for North East patientsPhilippine-trained nurses in Teesside mark 25 years with the NHS, celebrating careers at North Tees and Hartlepool hospitals and the community they call home.Darlington & Stockton Times · 16 Oct, 05:00
• The nurses who left the Philippines for Hartlepool 25 years ago and are still here todayA group of nurses from the Philippines who arrived in Hartlepool a quarter of a century ago are still caring for patients across our area.Hartlepool Mail · 15 Oct, 12:36

In this story: Philippines · Hartlepool · Teesside · North Tees · University Hospital of Hartlepool · University Hospital of North Tees · Maria Antonette Baldonasa

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem