Isle of Wight NHS Trust is celebrating a special milestone marking 25 years since the first group of Filipino nurses arrived on the Island to begin working at St Mary’s Hospital.
A new chapter in 2001
In November 2001, the first contingent of nurses from the Philippines arrived on the Isle of Wight, leaving behind their families, homes and familiar surroundings to begin a new chapter in their lives and careers.
Twenty-five years later, many of those colleagues remain part of the Trust and the Island community, having dedicated a significant part of their lives to caring for local people. Others have since retired but continue to call the Isle of Wight home.
The anniversary is an opportunity to recognise the contribution Filipino colleagues have made to healthcare on the Island, while also celebrating the friendships, families and lives they have built along the way.
‘A home, a family and a legacy’
Among those reflecting on the milestone is Loida Lo, Deputy Sister in the Emergency Department and Urgent Treatment Centre, who was part of the first group of Filipino nurses to arrive 25 years ago.
Loida began her career at St Mary’s caring for older patients before moving to the Emergency Department, where she continues to work today. Over the past 25 years, she has progressed to become a Deputy Sister, raised four children and watched the hospital and Island community become increasingly diverse.
Two of Loida’s children now also work in healthcare, including one who works alongside her in the Emergency Department at St Mary’s, while another is studying towards a future career in healthcare.
Loida said:
“As we celebrate 25 years since the first group of Filipino nurses arrived on the Isle of Wight, I feel proud to reflect on our shared journey. Each nurse will have a different story, shaped by personal sacrifices, family experiences, professional achievements and the challenges of starting a new life far from home.
“I am deeply grateful to St Mary’s Hospital for being such an important part of my life, both professionally and personally. My journey is a reminder that, with dedication, resilience and compassion, we can build not only a career but also a home, a family and a legacy.”
From police nurse to clinical site manager
Marianne Fernando, Clinical Site Manager, also reflected on the journey she and her fellow Filipino colleagues have made and the opportunities they have found on the Island.
Before coming to the UK, Marianne worked as a police nurse in the Philippines. Moving to the Isle of Wight meant adapting to a different culture, healthcare system and way of life, while building a new future for her family.
Marianne said,
“I am truly grateful to the Isle of Wight NHS for giving me the opportunity to continue my nursing career, develop my skills and become part of a wonderful healthcare family and the Isle of Wight community.
“Twenty-five years later, I am still learning, still growing and still moving forward. I am proud of my roots, grateful for the opportunities I have been given and proud of how far I have come.”
Filipino colleagues have become an important part of the St Mary’s community over the past quarter of a century, contributing their skills, experience and compassion to the care of generations of Island residents.
‘Our colleagues, our friends, and our community’
Joe Smyth, Chief Officer at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said,
“I am incredibly proud to celebrate this very special milestone and to recognise the contribution our Filipino colleagues have made over the past 25 years. They have brought so much to our Trust, not only through the outstanding care and compassion they provide to our patients, but through the culture, experience and values they bring to our teams and wider Island community.
“Many have built their careers, families, and lives here on the Isle of Wight, they have become our colleagues, our friends, and our community.
“It is wonderful to recognise and celebrate the important part they continue to play in our NHS and our community. On behalf of the Trust, I would like to thank them for everything they have given over the past 25 years.”
Marking the anniversary
The Trust will bring together Filipino colleagues to mark the anniversary, including members of the original group who continue to work at St Mary’s and former colleagues who have since retired but remain on the Island.
The celebration will provide an opportunity to look back at their experiences over the past 25 years, recognise their contribution to the NHS on the Isle of Wight and celebrate the community they have helped to build.
News shared by Isle of Wight NHS Trust, in their own words. Ed
