Highfield Hospital to sponsor work visas for Ukrainian refugees

Highfield Hospital, Rochdale

Highfield Hospital in Rochdale will seek to sponsor visas for Ukrainian refugees and their families.

Highfield Hospital is part of Circle Health Group, the largest independent healthcare provider in the country, which is collectively sponsoring up to 500 work visas for Ukrainian refugees, creating jobs in their 54 sites across England, Scotland and Wales.

As one of the UK’s largest employers, with a national footprint that covers every corner of the country and 10,000 existing staff, Circle Health Group announced the move ahead of the government’s new sponsorship programme for businesses to provide visas and employment opportunities for Ukrainian refugees.

As well as clinical roles, Circle sites across the country will offer administrative, engineering, logistics and project management positions. 

Circle will partner with the government and third sector organisations to remove bureaucratic barriers and move rapidly to offer a lifeline to individuals and families in need. 

Paolo Pieri, Circle Health Group CEO, said: "As one of the UK’s big employers, Circle want to offer jobs and a fresh start to Ukrainian refugees forced to flee from their homeland. We are eager to help in some small way and stand with the Ukrainian people in this moment of unspeakable suffering."

Sean Crooks, Executive Director of Highfield Hospital, said: "We are very proud to be doing all we can to support Ukrainian refugees nationally as part of Circle Healthcare Group. Locally our team has also pledged to fund raise to support the people of Ukraine. 

"They have scheduled a sponsored walk up Snowdon, a raffle with a £150 spa hamper as first prize and a bake sale at the hospital. I am very proud to lead such a caring and compassionate team, who not only go out of their way to give our patients the best care and treatment, but they are who are also working hard to support the people of the Ukraine."