A man who was part of the first group of nurses from the Philippines to move to Teesside has reflected on the experience – as he prepares to move back to his homeland.
Jeff Toledo was one of the first group of Filipinos to move to North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust in 2002 as part of a national drive to recruit nurses from overseas.
Though Jeff, who is 51 and lives in Stockton, says he has “loved” his time in the UK, he has made the decision to move back to care for his elderly mother.
He said: “I remember first moving as part of that first group – I said to my mum at the time that I would come for two years and see how it was.
“It did feel very strange to start with but I made friends quickly and soon loved it, so I decided to stay longer.
“I worked on the wards to start with, then got a move to the day case unit. But it was then a move to work in the operating theatres that I found I enjoyed the most.
“I have loved it so much, both working with the team and caring for our patients. But my mum needs that care and support now so I have decided to return so I can care for her.
“Hopefully, one day I will be back!”
Karen Wilson, theatre nurse matron, said: “The team in theatres in a real community and we are all going to miss Jeff.
“It’s a sad day for us, he has taught us a lot we didn’t know – and hopefully we have passed lots on to him too.
“Jeff is kind, reliable, caring – and I will also miss his cooking!
“On behalf of the whole team would like to thank him for his care and dedication.”