Retaining the Passion: Journeys Through Nursing

First, Clare and Craig discuss their reasons for choosing this fortnight's episode "Asylum Seeker Health". Craig begins by explaining the current context regarding the United Kingdom (UK) Government Home Office's post-Brexit proposed new Immigration and Asylum Bill 2021. He also offers, in his opinion, examples of where he believes the current Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 do not appear to work effectively to benefit the UK's asylum-seeking and refugee populations. Clare also shares her very personal reasons for wishing to choose this topic, as though Craig works in an Asylum Health Bridging Team; this episode topic was Clare's suggestion. 

Two fantastic guests then join them. Firstly, by a self-professed, proud asylum seeker, female genital mutilation (FGM) survivor, human rights activist, and author of the best selling book, "Cut: One Woman's Fight Against FGM in Britain Today", Hibo Wardere. While some may find Hibo's story a difficult listen, she is a positive beacon of light who bravely speaks out against FGM, advocating for the rights of women and girls.

Next, Clare and Craig interview Jean Saunders MBE, a registered adult nurse and health visitor. Jean is the Asylum Seeker Lead Nurse for Swansea Bay University Health Board and the Royal College of Nursing's (RCN) Nurse of the Year 2019/2020. Jean discusses how she and her team have established their service for asylum-seekers in Wales, and their unique health visitor led model. She also discusses her aspirations for the future and how she hopes asylum-seeker services can improve across the UK.

Following these interviews, Clare and Craig reflect on the discussions with Hibo and Jean and why they believe it is so important all nurses and healthcare workers are aware of the particular needs of asylum-seekers and refugees in the UK, not solely those working in the specific field. 

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