South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) was first established in 2020 and takes place annually from 18 July to 17 August. SAHM aims to honour and celebrate the cultures, histories, and communities of South Asia. The month provides an opportunity to recognise the diverse heritage and cultures that connect the UK with South Asia. South Asian culture has had a significant impact on Britain, influencing food, music, language, and healthcare.
At Gateshead Health, we are proud of our diverse workforce and our International Nurses are an integral part of that workforce. To mark SAHM we’re highlighting some of our staff of South Asian Heritage.
Reema Varghese, Nurse on Ward 24 shares her background and career journey
I am from India, Kerala and I had been working in the UAE for 11 years and then I got the chance to come to the UK. I have been at Gateshead Health for one year. When I first came to Gateshead, it was the summer, which was fine, but when it was winter, it was the first snow I had seen. It is too cold and I have had to acclimatise after living in the UAE and India.
My work and ward are really good. The work ethic and work-life balance are better here. I would not complain about my workplace, it is great. I used to be in community health but at Gateshead Heath, I can do direct patient care and get to know my patients. It is more holistic and personal which I find valuable.
For me, this is my first big move to a new place, it is a challenge but I made it. Everyone can make it, just do your thing
Reema Varghese, Nurse
Si Thu Kyaw Win, Nurse on Ward 12 describes working at Gateshead Health as “friendly and patient:
Originally I am from Myanmar and I worked in Singapore for 14 years, I started working at Gateshead last year. I have found that people here are very friendly and people ask me ‘Are you alright?’ which is unexpected. I feel like I am at the right place. It is supportive here.
It is a busy ward but we have good team work. Every day it is smooth walking even though it is busy. I love being a nurse for patients who are sick so we can support them physically and emotionally. I am happy when they are getting better and going home. The staff are really supportive, especially when we struggle with the accent and the people here are really patient with us
Si Thu Kyaw Win, Nurse
Sujata Gurung, a theatre nurse at Gateshead Health since February 2024 comments on her journey:
I am from Nepal, which is rich in cultural heritage. I pursued my professional career as a Staff Nurse in India for three and a half years. I always dreamt of working as a registered nurse in the UK and fortunately, I got an opportunity to be part of Gateshead Health. Without further ado, I fulfilled my entry criteria. The selection followed by the onboarding process until I was registered as a UK RN was organised and overwhelming.
Coming from a South Asian country to have exposure to the international health care system was a career-defining moment, initially, I was sceptical about expressing myself with such high standards but the people here were kind-hearted and welcoming which helped me to explore the field and showcase my skill set.
What impressed me here was the open culture to learn and greet people, which was the best, I like the work culture which has made me enthusiastic throughout my work. I am very grateful to be recognised as a valued member and to share my stories for South Asian Heritage Month. In such a short time I have constantly sensed the vivid culture and gratitude towards me which has lifted my spirits
Sujata Gurung, Theatre Nurse
Jinu Jose, nurse in theatre recovery shares her experience of working towards her qualification at Gateshead Health:
My name is Jinu Jose, from India currently I am working as a Band 5 registered nurse in theatre recovery.
I have been working as a registered nurse since 2009 in different departments like the intensive care unit, delivery suite, and surgical intensive care unit. I worked as a clinical instructor for one year and six months.
Before I came to the United Kingdom, I had to complete the Occupational English Test and Computer Based Test. I got my first job in Yeovil Hospital Somerset, but as there were no vacancies, they gave me the choice of Gateshead Health. I searched it on the internet, and I accepted the offer. After I got the visa, I came alone to the UK for the first time on 27 July 2022.
When I started the job, the challenging part was the Geordie words and the slang. The International Recruitment team helped me to clear the OSCE exam and settled well in Gateshead. Once I started to work on the recovery, I worked with everyone and completed my competencies. I would say I am so lucky and happy that I got numerous numbers of good colleagues and managers who built up my confidence in the specialised area.
They are encouraging me to progress my career by giving me a chance to co-ordinate the recovery, anaesthetic training, and helping the students in their placement. I like to follow a few rules such as, be kind and respect each other, apologies if any mistake happens, do not lose any opportunities and be brave and confident
Jinu Jose, Nurse
Thank you to all of our international nurses and members of staff from South Asia and beyond who are dedicated to ensuring high-quality patient care is our top priority. Happy South Asian Heritage Month!