Geelong’s healthcare system continues to receive a boost from the state government’s Pandemic Repair Plan, which has helped hospitals recruit workers from across the globe.
Barwon Health officially welcomed another batch of overseas recruits to its ranks this week, bringing the total number of international workers recruited in the past year to 91, with 22 more in the pipeline.
Coming from Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, UK and USA, the recruits have bolstered Barwon Health’s staffing capacity.
New Singapore recruit Nydalenn Reyes, now a registered nurse at Barwon Health, said the hospital had been amazingly helpful through the process and she loved working in her new environment.
“I’ve been here since COVID-19, doing travel nursing for the Department of Health, moving all across Australia,” she said.
“I’ve been at different hospitals, where it’s very chaotic and some people are not really very happy, even though they’re trying their best.
“But here, even if we’re busy we’re still smiling and laughing while we work. I love working with my team, and my nurse unit manager is just great. Everyone’s very supportive.”
Barwon Health talent acquisition partner for international recruitment Michelle Jolly supports the hospital’s new recruits once they get to the contract stage of the process, sorting out visas, finding accommodation and support for spouses and family members.
She said the international recruits had been critical from a basic staffing standpoint, but had also brought many other positives to Barwon Health.
“Obviously during COVID-19 there was an increase in need for nurses, allied health workers, doctors, right across the board,” Ms Jolly said.
But having people from different countries with different ideas, we’re seeing such a positive vibe from the new international staff members, an absolutely positive impact.”
