A group of six internationally educated nurses, all from India, based in Newtown are rejoicing after successfully passing their Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) certification.
The nurses have been recruited by Powys Teaching Health Board with the aim of reducing the reliance on agency nurses within the region.
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The OSCE exam is a crucial certification of clinical competence for nursing professionals worldwide, required for all internationally educated staff to practice nursing in Powys hospitals. The team is stationed at Newtown’s Montgomeryshire County Infirmary and are now permanently employed, a move that helps the health board cut costs compared to utilizing agency staff.
David Farnsworth, Assistant Director of Community Services at the health board, congratulated the nurses, saying, "Congratulations to our colleagues who have passed their OSCE exams and we welcome you to the health board team. We are delighted that you have chosen to continue your career with us and we have already seen the huge contribution that you and your colleagues have made to the NHS here in Powys."
Commenting on the financial benefits of reducing the dependence on agency nurses, Mr. Farnsworth added, "We know that by reducing our reliance on expensive agency nurses, we can reduce our costs but, not only that, by having staff continuity, we can also improve the quality of our care."
Welshpool’s hospital was the initial recipient of a group of internationally-educated nurses, with Newtown following suit. Another set of nurses is now commencing work at Bro Ddyfi Community Hospital in Machynlleth, showcasing the continued effort to enhance healthcare services across the region.
