Since the programme started six years ago, 569 nurses have been recruited from around the world – bringing a wealth of knowledge, expertise and culture to complement the staff already have in place across the health board.

The majority of the nurses have gone into roles within adult acute care areas, paediatric and neonatal, theatres, cancer services, ITU, maternity and mental health services across our hospitals.

As a result, the health board now has a very low level of vacancies for Band 5 registered nurses.

Head of nursing education and recruitment, Lynne Jones, said: ‘The international nurse recruitment programme, alongside UK domestic recruitment, has been a huge success.

‘Ahead of the recruitment drive, we identified a big vacancy gap in Band 5 nursing roles which was an issue felt across the UK. We had to address that problem and a major recruitment drive was the best option.

‘We have ethically recruited from countries which have surplus nurses, and we are now benefiting from their experience and skills gained in their careers to date.'

The health board will continue to develop staff at its dedicated training centre in Baglan.

Jones added: ‘We are focused on nurturing our staff and their skills to not only strengthen their current role but to develop them for more senior roles. The training suite is a perfect location for that. It is used for all types of training and education for the nursing and midwifery workforce along with our HCSWs.

‘At the centre, we deliver varied skills training, clinical induction programmes for HCSW and international nurses, and leadership and development programmes for Band 7 ward managers/team leaders and 8a/8b matron level.'