A Great Western Hospital patient's relative has thanked the staff who have come from overseas to help save lives in Swindon.

Alexa Smith wrote to the Adver after a loved one was admitted into Intensive Care earlier this month and received treatment from Filipino nurses, some of whom have worked at the hospital for 20 years.

She wanted to publicly praise the exceptional efforts of the nursing team and recognise the contribution that these experienced and compassionate employees recruited from abroad make to improving patient care in the British healthcare system.

The hospital's bosses greatly appreciated the kind feedback and echoed Alexa's thanks to all their international employees.

Alexa said: "I am writing to express my sincere gratitude and admiration for the Filipino nurses working at Great Western Hospital, particularly those who will soon celebrate their remarkable 20 years of dedicated service. 

"These nurses made the selfless decision to leave their home country and join the healthcare system in Swindon, greatly contributing to its success over the years. 

"I personally witnessed their exceptional care and compassion when my relative was admitted to the ICU and I am truly grateful for their unwavering commitment.

"The majority of these Filipino nurses can be found in the Acute Cardiac Unit and Intensive Care Unit, where their expertise and commitment shine brightly. 

"Day after day, they go above and beyond their responsibilities, providing the highest standard of care with their extensive knowledge and compassionate approach. 

"Their presence brings comfort to patients and their families during difficult times, as they tirelessly offer both physical and emotional support.

"It is vital that we acknowledge and appreciate the tireless efforts and dedication demonstrated by these nurses. 

"Their unwavering commitment has truly improved the quality of healthcare provided to the people of Swindon and Wiltshire. 

"The fact that they left their homeland to contribute their skills and expertise to a foreign healthcare system speaks volumes about their dedication to healing and caring for others.

"Let us seize this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to these exceptional Filipino nurses for their outstanding service. 

"Their dedication and care have made a significant difference in the lives of countless patients. 

"Their milestone anniversary serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the healthcare field, and we hope their tireless efforts and exceptional care will continue to inspire and positively impact the healthcare system for many years to come."

Earlier this year, another grateful Swindonian wrote to the Adver to praise the hospital's hardworking staff.

GWH celebrates its 75th anniversary this year and has marked the occasion by carrying out the biggest expansion in its history, a £31 million project that will revamp and expand its emergency department to improve the urgent care provided to patients.

A spokesperson for the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust added: “Across the trust, we have more than 500 internationally-recruited staff, including a number of dedicated Filipino colleagues.

"It is remarkable that so many of our staff have left their home countries to come and work for the NHS here in Swindon, and we appreciate the commitment that comes with relocating and setting roots in a new place.

“Our exceptional colleagues from overseas bring with them skill and experience which brings huge value to patients, other members of staff and our wider communities. They provide quality care to every patient who comes through our doors.

“We’d like to echo Alexa’s thanks, and extend it to every member of our workforce who has joined us from abroad.”