Blackpool Teaching Hospitals nurse Victor Quiatchon meets the King at Buckingham Palace during birthday event for international nurses.
Victor Quiatchon, an advanced critical care practitioner (ACCP) at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals, was one of 25 international nurses from the North West to be invited to meet His Majesty King Charles at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday (14 Nov).The event was a celebration of the contribution of international nurses and midwives working in the UK’s health and social care sector, as part of the NHS 75 year celebration that coincided with the Kings 75th birthday.
Victor, who has worked at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals for 13 years, was nominated by his peers to attend the celebration. Starting his career as a nurse in his home in the Philippines, Victor moved to the UK to further his nursing career and since then progressed to be a staff nurse with the respiratory team and now is an advanced critical care practitioner in Critical Care.
Victor commented about his career so far, “it has been challenging but worthwhile as I love helping people. Progressing throughout my career has enabled me to work at my best for my colleagues and the patients we care for. “
Colleagues echoed his kind and caring nature in the application, noting how he goes above and beyond for his team, supporting fellow internationally recruited colleague outside his day-to-day role and all whilst also balancing becoming a new dad and home life as a husband.
As part of the application colleague, Rosie Spencer, Critical Care Sister (Practice Development Team) said, “Victor is a very loved and respected member of our team and a good friend to many. His journey to becoming an ACCP was not always easy and only through persistence and determination he has achieved his goal to become a skilled clinician.”
Victor said it was a proud moment to meet King Charles.
“I had a wonderful time at Buckingham Palace alongside so many colleagues. The king was incredibly kind, I was really interested to hear his views on health and social care. He spoke about the pressures in the NHS and appreciate the efforts of all international healthcare workers. The King commented that I was the first critical care nurse he spoke in the event and was thrilled to have us all in the event”.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and one I’ll always remember, the entire experience was amazing and surreal. We were made to feel royalty from the food to being the palace, it was a very special moment for everyone involved.”
James McLean, Joint Chief Nurse at NHS England North West, said: “Our international workforce play a vital role in providing excellent and compassionate care to our patients and I’m unbelievably proud of the 25 nurses who represented the North West at such a special event – congratulations to you all.
“In the North West, we are leading the way with a number of successful international recruitment and support programmes, helping skilled and experienced clinicians train and adapt to work in the NHS and grow our workforce.”