Tinu Sajin: 'I am very honoured to work at and be part of the history at a hospital that is celebrating 100 years.'

A Journey of Care and Community: From India to the Aston Unit. Tinu Sajin, Staff Nurse on the Aston Unit, shares her journey and experiences working at the hospital since relocating from India in 2022.

Eighteen months ago, I embarked on a new chapter of my life, moving to the UK. I initially interviewed for Macclesfield Hospital, but was eventually assigned to Congleton, where I encountered a different healthcare environment focused on intermediate care. The transition was challenging, but I have grown to love my work here.

My journey began in India, where I worked for two to three years before moving to Dubai. The healthcare systems in these places are quite different from what I encountered here.

Before relocating to the UK, I spent seven years in Dubai’s healthcare sector, which was very different from my experiences here. The most significant difference I noticed was the amount of pressure, which was a welcome change. My colleagues have been incredibly supportive, providing the emotional support I had never experienced in my 15 years of professional life. Moving to a new country without family can be lonely, but the warmth and assistance I received here made all the difference.

Being separated from my family for the first time in my life was distressing. However, their arrival six months later brought immense relief. My children, aged 8 and 5, now attend a local school and are adapting to the new culture, which offers them more opportunities, whilst my husband also has a job in an industry he is used to.

Nursing has always been my passion, and I am confident that choosing this profession was the right decision. The staff here are eager to learn about my culture, especially our traditional dances, vibrant dresses, and jewellery. This cultural exchange has been enriching for everyone and was showcased in the Bollywood themed dance we performed for the hospital’s 100^th anniversary. I am very honoured to work at and be part of the history at a hospital that is celebrating 100 years.

The Aston Unit team feels like a family. We support each other, ensuring a friendly work environment that ultimately benefits our patients. Initially, I found it challenging at times as the patients on our ward can have difficulties with speech and communication - which added to some of the challenges I was experiencing with a new environment. However, I found patience and understanding to be key, and started to recognise behavioural changes and the needs of my patients better, and I’m proud to be able to help provide them with the best possible care.

Being part of this team and contributing to the care of our patients has been a rewarding experience. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a supportive and dedicated community.

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Image caption: Tinu (pictured left centre) receiving the Team of the Month award with colleague, Marly Ponseka after both were recognised for their efforts for choreographing a Bollywood themed dance for the hospital’s 100^th anniversary.