Publish date: 12 May 2023

One of the Trust's refugee nurses featured in Nursing Times as part of International Nurses Day (Friday 12 May).


Louai Sharkawi, who works as a healthcare assistant (HCS), came to the UK from Lebanon after fleeing his home country of Palestine. He qualified as a nurse in 2016 in Lebanon but is working as a HCA until the Trust can help support his UK nursing registration.


Due to his background in nursing, he was an ideal candidate for the North West London refugee programme which supports people from countries experiencing conflict find employment in the NHS. Louai is one of 25 refugee nurses working the Trust via the programme.


In the interview Louai said: "I am lucky my team is friendly and I have a manager who does a good job at making us feel like a family rather than just a team."


Trust chief nurse Stephanie Bridger said: "We are thrilled to have refugee nurses as part of our team.


“They bring a wealth of experience and skills to their roles and are an essential part of our commitment to provide high-quality, patient-centred care.


“West London NHS Trust is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion and creating a supportive environment for all nurses.”


You can read the full article here.