News stories

In October 1999, the first group of nurses from the Philippines joined Heartlands and Solihull Hospitals as part of a national drive to recruit nurses from overseas.  

They were the first cohort of Filipino nurses to come to the hospitals, and 25 years later, 14 of the 36 nurses from the group still work across the trust and are highly valued colleagues.   

Many of the group reunited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of working at UHB on Friday 4 October with past and current colleagues.  During the event in Heartlands Hospital’s Lecture Theatre, attendees heard about some of the career and personal journeys from our first Filipino colleagues, as well as a brief history of Filipino nursing in the UK.   

Jeni Rubino-Caguioa, who was in the first cohort of nurses to join Heartlands Hospital, and is now Senior Clinical Lead Manager, Midlands, NHS England, was a guest speaker at the event, giving a brief history of Filipino nursing in the UK.  She said: “Arriving in Birmingham to join Heartlands was a memorable moment.  I am very grateful for the opportunities I’ve experienced in my career.  The nursing years were instrumental as the grounding to my career development.  I’m so proud of us all and what we have achieved in the last 25 years.”   

There was also a message live streamed at the event from Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS England.  He said: “I want to give a massive thank you on behalf of all the people that you have helped and supported and looked after over the last 25 years.  Be it patients, be it members of the local population, be it families, or be it colleagues. You will have made a huge impact on people's lives and I’m truly grateful for that, thank you.  

“And thank you for 25 years' service in the NHS.  I know for many of you are still working at Heartlands Hospital, and many of you are still working across health and social care still to this day.  

“Today is a celebration about you all. It is an opportunity to connect with colleagues you might not have seen for a while.  Just remember the difference you have made to people’s lives.  Thank you, I hope you enjoy your time together.”  

The afternoon ended on a high with the presentation of Employee Service Awards to celebrate 25 years' service at UHB.  

Margaret Garbett, UHB Chief Nurse, said: “Twenty-five years ago, a group of young nurses made the decision to leave loved ones and travel to a new country to provide care in Birmingham and Solihull.  They arrived with excitement and anticipation for their new lives ahead and became part of our community.  Thank you for your hard work, dedication and commitment to the Trust.  It’s an amazing achievement and milestone to have reached.”