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Special order for special nurses

4/ 1/2002

Even the petite size of uniform was too big for 30 of the 59 Indian nurses. So much so, that South Manchester University Hospitals NHS Trust - which operates the hospital - had to have uniforms specially made for the women.

The nurses are currently undergoing a 12-week induction course necessary for them to be licensed to work in the UK.

A trust spokesman said: "We can usually find a uniform to fit nurses of most shapes and sizes.

"It's extremely rare that we need a special order for so many uniforms all in one go!"

Although shocked by the coldness of the Manchester weather, the nurses are settling down well and have found few real differences between the way patients are cared for in India and the UK. All of them are experienced critical-care nurses.

The hospital's assistant general manager in the heart and lung department, Debbie Dell, who recruited the nurses and is supervising their training, said: "I can't speak too highly of these nurses.

"They are committed to their vocation, are totally patient-focused and have very high standards.

"A lot of them may be small and slight, under 5ft, but they are certainly extremely strong.

"They come from a culture of caring and are delightful people.

"Our existing staff have had nothing but praise for them and I know the patients are going to love them."