Nellsar Care Homes has celebrated passing the half century mark in a training programme for overseas nurses.

Over 50 nurses from Kerala, India have been fully integrated within the care provider’s 13 care homes in Kent, Surrey and Essex under the initiative.

Glenda Osmotherly, director of operations at Nellsar, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of our overseas initiative since it was set up three years ago. These talented individuals are the backbone of the outstanding care we deliver and to surpass this milestone is a huge achievement for Nellsar and the nurses that have completed the training. Ten of the 55 nurses to pass the course have actually risen through the ranks to senior positions, which we are all immensely proud of.”

The programme offers support with housing, training, guidance and transportation with each student assigned a tutor from the group, which had partnered on a ‘Train the Trainer’ course with Oxford Brookes University.

Esther, a nurse at Hengist Field Care Centre who was part of the initiative, which has achieved a 100% completion rate, added: “I really enjoy working with our residents and ensuring their well-being by providing quality and compassionate care makes my job very fulfilling. Everyone has been extremely supportive and kind — from the recruitment team and management, to my colleagues and residents. In preparation for my OSCE exam, they provided the required training and resources to boost my confidence. I have learnt so much from the expertise of my colleagues and seniors, and really enjoy the collaborative approach to care. The environment is homely and person-centred, making every moment rewarding.”