A GROUP of Spanish nurses working in the Morecambe Bay Area have successfully completed their adaption program.

Out of 25 nurses who arrived in January, 20 have completed the course and are ready to start working as D Grade staff nurses at three hospitals, including the RLI.

The trust behind their recruitment now hopes to share its experiences with other hospitals hoping to recruit overseas staff.

Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS trust chief executive, Ian Cumming, said: "This pilot project has proved an immensely valuable process.

"We have been able to fill a significant number of vacancies as a result of the agreement and also gain a greater understanding of the procedures and processes required when recruiting overseas staff.

"Sharing our experiences with other NHS Trusts will assist them in recruiting in a similar way.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff on those wards that have supported this programme while continuing to

meet the ever increasing demands of providing effective patient care."