An experienced Fijian nurse, who left Fiji in search of better opportunities abroad, has returned home to ply her trade at Lautoka Hospital, thanks to Aspen Medical’s Employee Referral Program.
The program is aimed at addressing the country’s healthcare professional shortage while allowing clinicians to reunite with their families.
With 18 years of nursing experience, Leba Tupou Tagilala decided to return to Fiji, having worked in Nauru for some years, to give back to her people and reunite with her children.
An Aspen Medical statement stated the mother-of-two expressed appreciation at the opportunity to advance her nursing career with the Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka Hospital.
Aspen Medical chief executive Gavin Whiteside commended the referral program’s contribution to bringing local experienced talent back to Fiji where professionals could help make a meaningful difference in the healthcare sector.
Ms Tagilala joins the women’s surgical team in Lautoka.
“Upon her return to Lautoka Hospital, Ms Tagilala was deeply moved by the memories and progress she encountered,” Aspen Medical noted.
“The hospital has undergone refurbishments and structural improvements that left her excited to be part of a new team making rapid progress in Fiji.”
Ms Tagilala said with the successful facilitation of her return home, she would reach out to her other friends working abroad to consider returning to help make a difference.
The referral program offers cash incentives to Fijian nurses based overseas, facilitates their return, and rewards employees who refer successful candidates.
