Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for the high-quality pastoral care given to its internationally-educated nurses and midwives.

The trust has been awarded the NHS Pastoral Care Quality Award for the support it provides to its colleagues throughout the recruitment process and during their employment.

England’s chief nursing officer Dame, Ruth May, and chief midwifery officer Kate Brintworth presented a certificate of achievement to members of the nursing team on a recent visit to King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton.

The Pastoral Care Quality Award was launched in March 2022 by the Nursing International Recruitment Programme, which supports NHS Trusts in providing pastoral care.

The local trust has been recruiting international colleagues for more than four years and has more than 200 international nurses and two international midwives.

It recently employed two new pastoral care nurses, Shintel Sibanda and Ruby Grace-Manalo, to help with ensuring international colleagues are supported. This includes health and wellbeing support and working with the Faith Centre to ensure they have a safe place to practice religion and all religious events are recognised.

Phil Bolton, chief nurse at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “I’m incredibly proud that the trust has been awarded this and we’re being recognised for the work we do. The wellbeing of all our colleagues is a huge priority for us.

“Not only have they started a new role in such a big organisation but have moved to a new country and we understand just how daunting this can be. We always try to ensure they have everything they need whilst with us, including ensuring they continue to develop and flourish in their roles. This is a testament to the work our colleagues do, especially our Pastoral Care Support leads.”

Nina Morgan, Regional Chief Nurse (Midlands), said: “We are delighted that the Trust has been recognised for the important work they have demonstrated supporting the wellbeing and development of their international nurses.”

Pictured, from left, are Shantell Miles, director of nursing; Kate Brintworth, England’s chief midwifery officer; Shintel Sibanda, chief nurse Clinical Fellow (Pastoral Care); Deepa Baby, registered nurse; Dame Ruth May, England’s chief nursing officer; and Phil Bolton, chief nurse.