Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust welcomed the first cohort of nurses from the Philippines in November 2000 with many still working for the trust today.
To mark the occasion, and celebrate the hard work, courage and dedication the nurses demonstrated in leaving their homes and serving the Portsmouth community, a lunch was held in their honour at Queen Alexandra Hospital.
Hayley Peters, chief nurse at PHU, said: “Celebrating 25 years of our nursing colleagues from the Philippines is a truly special moment. Their courage to leave home, adapt to a new country, and dedicate themselves so fully to caring for others is inspiring. Hearing about their growth, achievements and the strong sense of belonging they’ve built here has been incredibly moving.”
Four of the nurses who still work at PHU today have shared their experience and reflected on the past 25 years:
1. Filipino nurse anniversary
Picture of the first cohort's first day at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust in November 2000. | PHU
2. Dovy R Domingo
Dovy R Domingo, a Respiratory Sleep Nurse Specialist, said: “I arrived in July 2000 and began my journey in Elderly Medicine before moving into Critical Care where I spent 22 years. Every challenge has taught me resilience and gratitude. The friendships, the teamwork, and the privilege of caring for patients and families has shaped who I am. "I’m proud to now call Britain home, carrying with me the values of both my Filipino roots and my life here and we are privileged to be recognized for our contribution, and we remain proud to serve the community with compassion, resilience, and excellence." | PHU
3. Blanquita Andaya
Blanquita Andaya, a Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “We were known as the ‘experimental batch’ and if we succeeded, more Filipino nurses would follow. And we did! "I’ve been in Haematology and Oncology for 21 years, and nursing remains my calling and my passion. It hasn’t always been easy being far from home, but I embraced it with courage, faith, and a smile.” | PHU
4. Edylin Sumayod
Edylin Sumayod, a Senior Sister, Older Persons Medicine SDEC, said: “It has been a privilege and an honour to be part of PHU for 25 years. None of my achievements would have been possible without the support of my colleagues and mentors who guided us when we first arrived. "My heart has always been in caring for the elderly, and I’m proud to have devoted my career to this calling.” | PHU