Publish date: 19 October 2022
Indra Kunder, a member of Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s Pastoral Team, is celebrating with colleagues after scooping the RCN North West Award for Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
The Pastoral Nurse support service formed in June 2021 as a new service to Mid Cheshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to enhance staff health and wellbeing. Indra joined the team in September 2021 with a passion to enhance the experience of staff across the organisation, with a specific interest in enhancing the wellbeing of International Nurses. Indra’s role incorporates acting as a supportive listener as well being a coach and mentor to staff, and alongside her colleagues she offers pastoral care as well as clinical guidance. To date Indra has offered pastoral support to over 200 International Nurses within the organisation, as well as offering support on all new staff inductions and relevant training to International Nurse cohorts.
Indra Kunder, Pastoral Nurse said: 'This award means a lot to me. I am proud for the recognition it brings. I am so grateful to the organisation for recognising my abilities and giving me the opportunity to use my skills where I feel particularly passionate. The pastoral team is an amazing group of experienced nurses who share the same motivation. For me personally, it is an honour to be able to use my lived experience as an overseas nurse and make a difference to colleagues' lives at work.'
Scott Malton, Director or Nursing and Quality commented: "The Pastoral team play an invaluable role at Mid Cheshire. In just over a year the difference they have made to hundreds of staff has been incredible. We are all working in exceptionally challenging times, and to have the support of this team is a fantastic asset to the organisation."
Indra’s team expressed their pride in Indra for being recognised for her work. Amy Gregson, Pastoral Nurse said: "I am immensely proud of Indra for winning this award, which demonstrates the impact she makes on a daily basis to our overseas nurses. Her commitment to getting alongside our nursing family is admirable and for many of our nurses who have joined us from other countries and cultures, Indra has been pivotal in helping them settle in."
Laura Egerton, Head of Nursing, Engagement and Wellbeing said: "I am extremely proud of Indra for receiving this award. Her unwavering commitment to her role as a Pastoral Nurse has brought a positive enhancing experience for our staff across the whole organisation."
Staff who have been helped by Indra have found her support invaluable:
“Ms. Indra helped me to be transferred in another unit. I am delighted as I am absolutely happy now that I am currently working in a place where in my heart truly belongs. A big thanks to her and to your team in supporting us, International nurses. We highly commend your effort.️”
“Indra is really supportive, listening patiently and encouraging, spent time enough to understand, showed empathy, respected and recognised as individual. Offered great help to be resilient.”
“I couldn't of got through the last few months without you Indra.”
