Internationally Educated Nurses Mark 25 Years of Service in Gwent

Friday 5th June 2026

This week marks 25 years since the first cohort of internationally educated nurses arrived from the Philippines to begin their careers with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, supporting patients and services across Gwent. 

More than 60 nurses arrived in the UK in June 2001, landing at Heathrow before taking up posts across local hospitals including the Royal Gwent Hospital and Nevill Hall Hospital. Over the past 25 years, they have become an integral part of the Health Board workforce, providing compassionate care, developing services and building strong ties within the communities they serve. 

To mark the milestone, the nurses came together with colleagues from across Gwent for a celebration event last Saturday. The event offered an opportunity to reflect on 25 years of their inspiring careers and lasting friendships. 

Many of the nurses from the original cohort have gone on to build long and varied careers within the Health Board, progressing into specialist, leadership and advanced practice roles, while remaining firmly focused on patient‑centred care. 

Among those reflecting on the journey were Lilibeth De La Rama, now a Nurse Practitioner, and Cynthia Bermas, who works in the Cardiac Care Unit at the Royal Gwent Hospital. Both have spent much of their careers caring for patients across Nevill Hall Hospital and the Royal Gwent Hospital. 

Lilibeth said: “When we arrived, we were wearing puffer coats in June. I remember asking, ‘Why is everyone wearing shorts?’ It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years, it feels like yesterday.” 

Both Lilibeth and Cynthia left their young children in the Philippines when they came to the UK in 2001, a decision they describe as one of the hardest, but one driven by a strong sense of professional duty. 

Cynthia said: “We were hired because of our skills, but skills are nothing if you’re not passionate and compassionate about being a nurse. That’s what we showed. That’s why we’re still here after 25 years. We are very patient‑focused, and patients often tell us they can see our smile, even when the ward is busy.” 

Lilibeth added: “My professional highlight is serving and treating patients, that’s at the core of being a nurse. I’m proud of all of us who have gone in different directions in our careers here. Personally, I’m now 53 and a grandmother of two!” 

For Cynthia, being able to reunite her family in the UK stands out as a defining moment. 

Cynthia said: “The most rewarding thing for me was that we were eventually able to bring our whole family over. Our children are grown up now. Thank you for having us, and for accepting us for who we are” 

“After 25 years, it’s really special to be recognised,” added Lilibeth.