Werndale Hospital to sponsor work visas for Ukrainian refugees

Werndale Hospital in Bancyfelin, Carmarthenshire has announced it will seek to sponsor visas for Ukrainian refugees and their families.

Werndale Hospital is part of Circle Health Group, the largest independent healthcare provider in the country, which is collectively sponsoring up to 500 work visas for Ukrainian refugees, creating high-quality jobs in their 54 sites across England, Scotland and Wales.

As one of the UK’s largest employers, with a national footprint that covers every corner of the country and 10,000 existing staff, Circle Health Group announced the move ahead of the Government’s new sponsorship programme for businesses to provide visas and employment opportunities for Ukrainian refugees.

As well as clinical roles, Circle sites across the country will offer administrative, engineering, logistics and project management positions.

Circle was recently ranked as one of the 25 Best Big Companies to Work For, and has extensive experience in recruiting and integrating staff from overseas – with hundreds of clinicians joining the group from across the globe in recent months and years.

Circle will partner with the Government and third sector organisations to remove bureaucratic barriers and move rapidly to offer a lifeline to individuals and families in need.

Paolo Pieri, Circle Health Group CEO said: “As one of the UK’s big employers, Circle want to offer jobs and a fresh start to Ukrainian refugees forced to flee from their homeland. We are eager to help in some small way and stand with the Ukrainian people in this moment of unspeakable suffering.”

Jacky Jones, Executive Director of Werndale Hospital, said: “We are also extending our support at Werndale and have mobilised the collection of vital medical supplies which are being sent this week to front-line hospitals.

“Earlier this month, we organised a collection of practical aid, in partnership with Haverfordwest Golf Club and our staff, this was delivered to a hospital in Ukraine, supporting refugees and in particular new mothers.

“We were overwhelmed by the donations and thank everyone who supported, for the kindness and generosity shown.”

Private hospital, Werndale recently announced a huge new extension to their Carmarthenshire Hospital to include new patient treatment rooms as part of a £1m investment by owners, Circle Health Group.