An Indian couple have been settling into their new roles as doctors at the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen.
Dr Veena Krishnamurthy and her husband Dr Nandhakumar Caesar Balachandra have taken up roles in the Co Fermanagh hospital, swapping their lives in India for the Erne county.
The pair came to Enniskillen with their children two years ago and say it was always a dream of theirs to come and work in the NHS.
READ MORE: Huge rise in complaints at mental health units in Western Trust
Veena works as a Consultant Anaesthesiologist in the SWAH and says the most satisfying aspect of the job is seeing seriously ill patients getting better.
“My husband had always discussed our desire to work in the well-structured and evidence based NHS system,” Dr Veena said.
“The South West Acute Hospital was one of the first few hospitals I had interviewed with. We were impressed with the candid, professional manner in which the recruitment process was conducted and here we are two years later enjoying our roles.
“Health and Social care work is going through a very challenging and difficult phase, particularly in the last couple of years with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I work in Critical Care and Theatres ICU and Operation Theatre and take care of very seriously ill patients or people going through very stressful situations.
“The most satisfying aspect of our job is seeing our patients get better. To see our efforts making a positive impact is what keeps us going.”
The Western Health and Social Care Trust has faced criticism over its recruitment of consultants to the hospital in recent months, following the suspension of its emergency general surgery services due to a lack of consultants.
A public consultation on the decision to suspend the service closed last month, with the findings to be released this summer.
Several issues in relation to the management of the SWAH were highlighted in a recent report by The Detail, in which former doctors alleged serious problems with the recruitment of staff, patient safety and a ‘toxic culture’ of overworked staff.
However, Dr Veena said she would recommend the hospital to international doctors looking for roles in the NHS.
“I would definitely recommend working at SWAH if one is starting their career in NHS or an experienced doctor is looking for good work life balance,” the consultant added.
“Working at SWAH provides an excellent work-life balance. My family and I enjoy walks through the many gardens maintained by National Trust.
"We enjoy the children’s play areas, swimming pools, sporting arenas in the town. Enniskillen has a rich culture of sports and outdoor activities.
“I think Fermanagh is an excellent place to live especially with a young family like mine. There are some lovely schools with friendly teachers who understand and accommodate the needs of expatriate children from varying backgrounds.
“Fermanagh is a beautiful county and the people are the friendliest, generous and most welcoming – we are delighted to make this our home.”
READ NEXT:
Belleek community rallies in Fermanagh Women’s Aid fundraiser
NI election results for Fermanagh and Omagh as Sinn Féin take majority
Mental health services remain the ‘poor relation’ says Co Fermanagh expert
Cost of living: Young people in NI turning away from sports clubs due to rising costs
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our Fermanagh newsletter here.
