University Hospitals Sussex is marking 25 years of service from its Filipino nursing community, with our earliest cohorts having arrived in 2001.
Since then, Filipino nurses have played a vital role in delivering high-quality, compassionate care across the Trust, becoming a valued and integral part of the workforce.
During a period of significant nursing shortages across the UK, UHSussex recruited nurses from the Philippines as part of a national recruitment campaign. They joined in small cohorts, ensuring a smooth, supported transition into both the Trust and the wider community.
Their arrival marked the beginning of a sustained international recruitment programme that has continued to grow ever since.
Today, international staff make up around a third of the Trust’s workforce, with more than 6,000 colleagues from countries including Brazil, South Africa, Mauritius, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Poland and Romania.
The Philippines remains the second largest internationally represented group, with nurses working across specialties such as stroke, dermatology, respiratory and emergency care.
Nurse Severa Cabahug Jaboli was part of the very first cohort of 25 Filipino nurses to join Worthing and Southlands hospitals in March 2001, helping to pave the way for those who followed.
Today, Severa is still working for the Trust on the endoscopy unit at Worthing Hospital.
Severa said: “I came to UK for greener pasture, just like the rest of us. When we arrived 25 years ago, I remember vividly the weather was so gloomy and cold as the coach stopped near our accommodation (I was in Southlands). Despite homesickness, along with all the other challenges, we survived it because of the tremendous support of the Trust and the Filipino community who helped us. We are very grateful for all the things they have done for us.”
Russel Catibog also arrived 25 years ago and began his career at Southlands Hospital as an elective orthopaedic nurse on Amber Ward.
Russel said: “For us all, our family are always our inspiration in life. Working abroad to help and support Tatay and Inay (Dad and Mum) and the siblings to have a better life.
“Amber ward helped me a lot to become what I am today. The support from my colleagues and managers was the best. When I felt frustrated on things that I didn’t understand then, I was given the support and understanding and an explanation on how to do my work properly and effectively.
“As years have gone by, I have witnessed the increasing numbers of Filipino recruitments coming over to work for the Trust. We must be doing something good here and it boosts my confidence to work even harder.”
Today, Russel is a Clinical Nurse Practitioner still working at the Trust.
Nelson Barbon arrived in April 2001 and remains one of 18 nurses from his cohort still working at the Trust today.
Nelson said: “I’m proud to have stayed committed to the Trust for 25 years. Over that time, I’ve taken on roles that challenged me, contributed to improvements that made a real difference, and supported many nurses in their own growth.”
Having once imagined himself pursuing the “American Dream,” Nelson found life taking an unexpected turn when he landed at Heathrow and travelled down to Brighton. He soon settled in Sussex, met his future wife at work, and realised, as he put it, that “life has its own way of showing you what is meant for you.”
Although excited, Nelson admits that being away from family for the first time made everyday life feel more daunting than the nursing itself.
He said: “We were fortunate because Filipino nurses were already in Brighton before we arrived. They paved the way for us, they showed the Trust what Filipino nurses could do, and because of them, we already had a footing. I will always be grateful to that, because without their hard work and reputation, many of us would never have had this opportunity.
“From the moment we arrived, they welcomed us in. They became our family away from home, and that sense of belonging made the difficult early years so much easier.”
Over the years, as more Filipino nurses arrived, Nelson helped establish the Brighton and Hove Filipino community, later serving as its chairman and supporting new arrivals just as he had once been supported.
Nelson’s career flourished, from staff nurse to senior staff nurse and became the first Filipino ward manager in Brighton.
He said: “This milestone means a lot to me. It came with pressure, I knew I had to excel because no one before me had walked that path. I felt a responsibility to show that someone like me could succeed, and that my community could be trusted and seen in leadership.”
He later served as a matron and head of nursing, and today leads the Improvement Team, helping services develop, strengthening systems, and supporting teams to deliver safer, better care.
Nelson said: “Every role taught me something: resilience, leadership, courage, and the importance of supporting others just as others supported me. My journey shows that growth isn’t about where you start, it’s about how determined you are to keep going, even when the path gets tough.
“But above all, I’m proud of proving to myself and hopefully to others that when you believe in yourself, stay committed, and put in the work, you can grow, lead, and achieve more than you ever expected.”
To mark this significant milestone, both Severa and Nelson’s cohorts reunited to celebrate their achievements and reflect on the 25 years since they first began their journey together.
Dr Maggie Davies, Chief Nurse, said: “Reaching this 25 year milestone is a moment of immense pride for our Trust.
“The incredible contribution of our Filipino nurses, and all international nurses across our hospitals and services, is truly remarkable.
“Our Filipino nurses have brought unwavering compassion and professionalism to every corner of UHSussex, strengthening our services and enriching our teams, and for that we remain deeply grateful.
“They are not just valued colleagues — they are an essential part of who we are as a Trust.”
Today, their dedication and compassion have become hallmarks of Filipino nurses at UHSussex, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape the experience of patients, colleagues and communities.