27 September 2021

Five Palestinian refugees who are set to join CNWL as nurses in October landed at Heathrow on Saturday to start their new lives in the UK.

The five – twin sisters Rawan and Yara Kassab, Rami Mansour, Mohammad Al Qanawan and Fayzeh Rachid –joined under a programme developed by RefuAid, NHS England & Improvement (NHSEI), and Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). The programme’s aim is for nurses from a refugee background to return to practice in the UK.

They were met by Talent Beyond Boundaries – a refugee recruitment agency that facilitated the recruitment process – and representatives from CNWL.

You can read more about the five here.

One of the five, Rami Mansour, said: “I've finally made it. The first official step towards a bright and promising future. I envisioned this moment, but could have never expected it to be this special in reality.

“It was a long journey indeed, but all worth it. I still haven't been to all places in the UK yet, but from what I've already seen I can say it is a stunning place to be in.

“Now that we have settled in, it's time to prepare ourselves first for our time in Liverpool where we'll study, and then get ready to go to our Trusts so we can commence our professional careers.

“We never feel bored, because there is always something exciting to do. I will forever cherish this moment and will vow to work hard in order to serve the great UK community. I can already say this is our home.”

Three of the recruits -  Rawan, Yara and Fayzeh - will go to St Pancras Hospital, while Rami and Mohammad - will go to the Hawthorn Intermediate Care Unit at Hillingdon Hospital.

They form part of CNWL’s broader international nurse recruitment scheme to attract new talent.

They will initially join as healthcare assistants, then complete their Occupational English Test (OET), a Computer-Based Test (CBT) and their Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) exam – a way of assessing clinical skill proficiency at pre-registration and postgraduate level – and then will register as nurses with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).

They will be completing studies in Liverpool first before they start working with CNWL.  This will be a four-week residential programme, consisting of face-to-face learning, group work and online learning. This covers the culture and professional values of nursing in the UK, support to prepare for NMC registration, and also clinical skills simulation.

CNWL’s Chief Executive Claire Murdoch said: “I’m really pleased to welcome these talented and qualified people! I’m looking forward to meeting them in person – a real privilege for me.

“They have experienced a life many of us can scarcely comprehend and now have a new beginning with us in the NHS and CNWL. We will provide support and training so their skills can be used right now, and wherever their futures take them. Welcome to CNWL.”