THE interim chief officer of Argyll and Bute’s health and social care partnership has hailed the recruitment of four mental health nurses from Nigeria to Lochgilphead.

The area’s mental health services team embarked on its first ever international recruitment programme during the autumn of 2023.

And Evan Beswick, who has replaced Fiona Davies in the partnership’s (HSCP) chief officer role on an interim basis, has reported that the quartet have now started work as registered nurses.

The recruitment story features in Mr Beswick’s first report as chief officer, which will go before the partnership’s integration joint board at its meeting on Wednesday, May 29.

Mr Beswick said: “The programme began with NHS Highland wide interviews to recruit nurses specifically for the inpatient mental health ward (Succoth) in Mid Argyll Hospital and Community Care Centre in Lochgilphead.

“Staff from the ward, and across the wider HSCP mental health service, were invited to support interviews.

“In November 2023 four candidates from Nigeria were successful and accepted offers of a permanent post in Succoth Ward.

“The nurses arrived in Aberdeen in January 2024 and participated in a three-week induction and preparation for the OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) test of competence for individuals who arrive from overseas and wish to work in the UK.

“Part of the induction focused on the practicalities of relocating to a different country and the mental health services team were able to meet with them virtually to welcome them and answer any questions about the local area and the ward.

“In February, the nurses arrived in Lochgilphead and were met by staff to welcome them to their new accommodation and support them to settle in the local area. A welcome pack and local information was provided and they were supported to make contact with the wider international community locally.

“All four nurses have since passed the OSCE and are now registered with the NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council) and settling into the ward as registered nurses.”

Mr Beswick added: “The participation in the international recruitment programme has been extremely positive – especially given the ongoing staffing challenges in rural areas.

“Being able to secure and support four skilled and experienced mental health nurses has played a crucial role in ensuring optimal staffing levels and upholding exceptional standards of care across our mental health inpatient services.”