A Consultant Nurse at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for her work in growing the British Indian Nurses Association (BINA) at the recent RCN awards, helping to provide pastoral support for international nurses.
Anu Thomas, Consultant Nurse and Clinical Lead for Stroke at the Trust, celebrated the remarkable growth of the Association at the ceremony in Liverpool Cathedral, after she helped set up BINA in 2020, with the support and insight of NHS England, NHS Improvement and Health Education England.
In the space of three years, BINA has grown from 200 to approximately 4,000 members, with all the different regions working closely together, utilising expert advice and providing pastoral support for international nurses, helping connect them with people of a similar background, and supporting them with their career progression.
At the RCN awards, Anu represented BINA, who were finalists in the Team of the Year category, and while the Addiction Recovery Community (ARC) in Hounslow claimed the award on the night, Anu is very proud of BINA’s achievements so far.
Anu herself moved from India to the UK around 17 years ago and said: “BINA exists to provide a support network for new Indian nurses to help them adapt to change quicker, and to help them to stay within the NHS.
“It was a privilege to attend the RCN awards night at Liverpool Cathedral, with BINA shortlisted for the Team of the Year. Although, unfortunately, we didn't win, I had a great time meeting some of our national leaders, including Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer of NHS England, and Sue Tranka, Chief Nursing Officer of NHS Wales.
“It was a great platform for BINA, and to be one of the finalists was an award in itself!”
The work doesn’t stop here, and Anu added: “I am so proud to be a BINA member, and at the same time, proud to be representing Lancashire Teaching Hospitals. I want to bring all the learning from the awards night back to my organisation and utilise that. Celebrating success is a boosting energy for me, being a finalist is huge recognition, and a motivation to do more.”
Sarah Cullen, Chief Nursing Officer at the Trust, said: “Anu has worked tirelessly to create a strong professional profile of the work BINA does. Her leadership in our organisation and nationally is very much appreciated and motivates colleagues at all levels of the organisation, I feel fortunate to be working alongside Anu.”
