East Lancashire Hospitals Trust is proud to have a diverse workforce of different nationalities, and worked with a large number of international colleagues who have helped provide safe, effective, and personal care to our patients and communities over the years.
A group of international nurses who joined our Trust in 2001/02 
recently had a 20 year reunion at QEGS in Blackburn, and were able to share their stories and experiences from when they first started, and introduce their old colleagues to their new families as well.
We thank our international colleagues for being a key element of the #ELHTFamily, and caught up with Shinu Joy, Theatre Practitioner at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, who was at the reunion and provided us with an insight of the international experience.
Tell us a bit about yourself, who are you and what is your current role at ELHT?
My name is Shinu Joy (RGN,RMN), I am one of the international nurses who came to this trust 21 years ago. My current role is Scrub Practitioner in Trauma & Orthopaedics at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital.
When did you first start working at ELHT?
I started my first role as a Band D Surgical Nurse at Ward 4 at Blackburn Royal Infirmary in 2001, and was here when we became Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital in 2006. I’ve worked in several departments across ELHT, including Burnley General Hospital as a Senior Nurse.
What inspired you get to into nursing?
My aspiration was to become a nurse came from my passion to help others. I’ve always loved helping people, it is one of the best feelings in the world, and becoming a nurse has given me the ability to do this.
How were the first few months when you moved to the UK? How was it settling in?
The first few months were very difficult because it was a different world 
compared to India. Noticeable differences were things like the climate and language – including some Lancashire slang – however I soon settled in thanks to my colleagues and the warmth of the local community.
Was there anything you missed from home when you moved here?
I definitely missed my family because I’ve always been close to them, but I also missed my group of friends who I’d regularly go out with in India. But the colleagues I met in East Lancashire were great with me when I first moved, and the international program really helped me make new friends. I also really missed the lovely warm weather I used to have back in India. I can’t say East Lancashire is as warm, however it’s incredibly green and beautiful in the summer time.
What was the main difference you noticed to life in India and that of the UK?
One difference was that I had gone from living with my family to now living on my own, so it reminded me of student life and was quite the adjustment! But I kept myself busy and would usually go out to experience what East Lancashire had to offer, and when I started making friends we would regularly eat together at other's houses.
Were there any differences you noticed to working in healthcare settings in the UK compared to India?
The NHS is renowned for providing a free healthcare service, this is a bit different to India where there is a pay as you go system.
What was ELHT like when you first started working here in 2001, and how has the Trust since changed?
The sites have definitely changed, as there are now newer building and spots around our different hospitals. There is also newer technology on the wards which helps us provide an efficient service.
What is one thing you would say you have adopted since working in East Lancashire for over 20 years?
I would say I have adopted a calmer personality, and I am always smiling too.
Looking at your attached pictures, it looks like 
everyone had a good time at the reunion. What did the evening involve, and how was it to see everyone?
I was so happy to see everyone as we had so much to catch up on. There were some colleagues I hadn’t seen in a while, so it was good to share some memorable moments and hear interesting stories. We are planning to arrange a reunion every year, and looking forward to our 25th reunion.
In your opinion, what is the best thing about being a nurse?
Knowing that you are helping your patient through safe care is important. I am proud to be in a role where I can provide comfort and reassurance.
What has been one of your highlights of working as a nurse at ELHT for 20 years?
I’ve got to know some great people as I’ve worked in different teams across ELHT. I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to work in different departments and learn new things as well.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone who has recently started their nursing journey at ELHT?
Keep smiling. It helps having a good friendship circle wherever you work, so I would encourage any new colleagues to try to find some friends which will help you enjoy the role and the experience.