The collaboration began with a successful careers open day in Spring, and now three refugees have started their new positions at the hospital in sterile services and theatres.
These roles provide a fresh start for the recruits, who received comprehensive support through every step of the recruitment process. This included help with CV writing, interview preparation, and an introduction to private and NHS patient care through tours of the hospital and meetings with key staff across the facility.
New recruit, Radmehr Shafiee, a 37-year-old former veterinary surgeon fled Iran and has now found purpose-driven work in healthcare. He comments:
“I have been trying to work as quickly as possible, but during the asylum application, you cannot legally work until one year has passed. The Home Office gave me refugee status six months ago, and I immediately started to look for a job. I had been searching for six months until hearing about this open day. I was a vet surgeon before I came to the UK and have a PhD. A lot of jobs refused me because I was overqualified.
“Now I am working in the hospital and it’s a highly enjoyable experience. The team is really professional and friendly. It was a turning point in my life.”
Radmehr said the support he has received from Practice Plus Group throughout the recruitment process gives him hope for a new career and an opportunity to improve his living situation through steady employment and regular income. He added:
“This job gives me hope to change my accommodation and improve my mental health. I am hopeful I’ll soon be able to rent somewhere with my job references.”
Another new team member, Aykut Eroglu, 33, also fled conflict and, after being granted residency in the UK, initially worked in a warehouse and volunteered with Emmaus, a UK-based charity that supports people experiencing homelessness. Through Emmaus, he received accommodation and began integrating into the community. After landing his new role in Sterile Services at the hospital, he says he now has a “second chance at life.”
He commented: “When I came to the UK, I didn’t know how I would start again. I spoke no English, had no job. Even though I had experience and was willing to work, I didn’t understand the job market or how to apply properly. Practice Plus Group have given me new hope for the future.”
At the open day, Aykut was given a tour of the hospital, which helped him visualise a future in healthcare.
He added: “Meeting the team and seeing the hospital made it feel real. The team here is like a family. I’m learning new things every day, improving my English, and building a career. I finally feel secure and have hope. I want to give back to the country that gave me safety.”
Praising the hospital’s positive approach to recruitment and the creation of new opportunities in Bristol, Jen Stobart, Director of Tent UK, said:
“We are thrilled to have Practice Plus Group join Tent UK and to witness already just how much they are doing to support refugees in accessing jobs within the healthcare sector. We will continue to work hand in hand to tackle the structural barriers refugee jobseekers face and allow many more to bring their skills and experience to fill open vacancies.”
Andrew Oakerbee, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green, agreed, describing the programme as a win for both the new employees and the hospital.
He says: “This experience has been incredibly positive. Welcoming our new colleagues into our team has reinforced our values around diversity, inclusion, and equality. These new colleagues bring unique strengths and perspectives that enrich our workplace culture.
“At Practice Plus Group, we’re proud to offer clear career pathways, excellent training, and a supportive environment. Our goal is always to deliver outstanding outcomes for both our patients and our staff, and initiatives like this are a key part of that mission.”
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Emersons Green specialises in hip and knee replacements, hernia and cataract surgery. Private patients can book consultations directly with Wellsoon private healthcare from Practice Plus Group, and NHS patients can ask their GP for a referral.