A group of nurses from the Philippines are still caring for patients across Teesside – 25 years on from when they first arrived.
The nurses travelled to the UK to work at the University Hospital of Hartlepool and University Hospital of North Tees as part of a special national initiative to fill nursing role vacancies.
With the group only planning to stay short term, a significant number of the first cohort – as well as many other who joined on later intakes – are still here, building lives and families and still working at the organisation a quarter of a century on.
Maria Antonette Baldonasa – known as Monette to her team – was one of the first group to arrive and has now raised a family here and has worked in the former critical care department at Hartlepool before now becoming matron in the critical care unit at North Tees.
Staff made group feel part of family
She said: “Being called Monette made me feel at home. It made me feel comfortable and relaxed, and it eased my homesickness because Monette is the nickname my parents gave me.
“Leaving my homeland in September 2001 was an incredibly difficult decision. 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.
“But 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.
“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.
“Our story is a reminder that when people feel welcomed, valued, respected and included, they can thrive. Diversity is not simply about where we come from; it is about recognising the strengths, experiences and perspectives that each person brings to our organisation.”
“We felt so supported by everyone”
Arlizel Estrellado now works as a specialist bowel cancer screening practitioner at North Tees, having also spent several years in Hartlepool.
She said: “We all remember first arriving in Teesside – it was dark and cold!
“We had no mobile phones back then. Because of the time difference back home, we would all be squeezing into a phone box at 2am trying to ring our families!
“What I remember is being so supported by everyone, my manager was like my mother.
“I only signed a contract here for two years but am so settled in the area, this is now home. I have three children here too.
“We have embraced the culture here and people have embraced us.”
Teesside is now home
Mylene Baran is now a nurse in the stroke unit at North Tees.
She said: “Like every other person in that first group, I only planned to stay for two years. Now I have two children here – we visit the Philippines but my children see Teesside as their home just like I do.
“This is home, I love working here helping our patients and working closely with colleagues.”
The group recently gathered together for a celebration evening to mark the anniversary.