Sky’s the limit for Tarek
Tarek Kaddoura came to the UK in search of a better life than the one he left, where he would never be granted citizenship, allowed to own a home or progress beyond his job as an emergency nurse.
“Lebanon will always be my home but there is no future there for me,” said the 25-year-old Palestinian who arrived at Northwick Park Hospital as part of a programme to bring skilled refugees to the UK.
Talented beyond Boundaries is working with NHS England to create a supply chain of nurses who arrive as skilled workers, not refugees.
“I am in charge of my own future now and can go as far as I want,” said Tarek who arrived five months ago and works as a healthcare support worker until he passes his exams to become a registered nurse.
“I spent three years working as an emergency nurse in Beirut so it has been quite tough having to start over as an healthcare support worker but I take my final exams in the New Year.
“I am so grateful to be here and luckily have a group of friends living in Kenton who followed the same path as me several years ago. I always wanted to come to the UK but I do miss my family and the food.”
To date, the hospital trust has employed four nurses from Lebanon.
Cindy Marudamuthu, Lead Nurse for Operational and Professional Standards, said: “The candidates follow our international recruitment process and are interviewed remotely.
“They arrive in the UK not as refugees but as skilled workers with a vast experience in healthcare. We provide the necessary training including support in achieving their International English Language certificate and sitting their OSCE exams that allow them to become registered nurses in the UK.
“They initially work as healthcare support workers together with the clinical team to familiarise them with the NHS and some of the duties include helping feed and wash patients, taking vital signs and communicate with patients and relatives.”