Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Indian quadruplets keen to make a difference in the NHS

Indian quadruplets keen to make a difference in the NHS

A FAMILY of British Indian quadruplets have described why they think the UK is the best place to achieve their dreams.

The Framlingham, Suffolk-based quadruplets – Aneetta, Anjel, Aleena and Aneesha – told Eastern Eye they are proud of working in the NHS, where they are following their mother’s footsteps.


Aneetta, Anjel and Aleena, 21, are now nurses at Royal Papworth Hospital, while physiotherapist Aneesha works for the NHS at Kettering Hospital. All four completed training placements at Ipswich Hospital, Suffolk.

Their mother Joby Shibu Mathew now works in the oncology department of the hospital.

The sisters started their official jobs last month, and according to their father, Shibu Mathew, a maintenance engineer, his daughters will be the only quadruplets who are all working for the NHS.

“It is a great feeling that we are working at the same place. A unique experience as you have someone you know at your workstation. It makes work easier and you can always share everything,” Anjel told Eastern Eye.

When they were in their second year of studies, the Covid-19 pandemic took hold in the UK.

“It gave us a unique experience as healthcare professionals. In April 2020, it was almost like we were cut off from the rest of the world. By June we also started to do work as part of our studies. It was work without any pay,” she said.

“Initially, we were scared as wearing PPE and a face shield was a novel experience for us. Our parents were really helpful at the time.

“Our mother gave us guidance and motivation to overcome that difficult phase. After the initial struggles, we were able to adapt quickly. Moreover, the Covid experience had given us more courage and confidence.”

7 The sisters believe Britain allows people to achieve more

The sisters said the healthcare profession could be challenging, with long working hours. However, they added, “The feeling that your skills are making a difference to people is really rewarding. We often try to be different and we seem to end up choosing the same thing.”

Originally from Kayamkulam in Kerala, their parents moved to the UK in 2007, leaving the girls with their extended family in India. The quadruplets were born when their mother was working as a nurse in Oman in 2000.

“When my mother came to the UK, she was unable to use her overseas health qualification. So, she started working as a healthcare assistant in a nursing home,” Anjel said.

“But she was very persistent and hard-working. She studied here and it took her seven years to become a nurse in the NHS. We have all seen her struggle and her dedication to the goal. Her story inspired us to pursue a career in NHS.”

The siblings joined their parents in the UK after finishing their pre-school and first grade in Kerala. They visit relatives in Kayamkulam every two years. Their last trip was in 2019 and because of the Covid pandemic they couldn’t travel this year, so they plan to do so in 2022.

Asked about their experience in the UK, Anjel said, “it’s my home”. She will only be away for three weeks in two years from the country.

“We have moved at a very younger age to the UK. So, we felt very much at home here. When we moved to the UK, though there were Malayali families in our area, there were none in our age group. We four will always be together and we made friends here. So, it was a great learning and growing experience,” she said.

Anjel, who wants to specialise in cardiology, believes Britain allows people to achieve more “because of its positive environment”. She said she had not faced any discrimination in her life or work because of her Indian heritage.

“In my opinion, some people create differentiation in their minds. They think that they are white and we are brown,” she said. “This is the real issue. We need to think that they are also humans like us.”

The siblings speak Malayalam and are active in programmes conducted by the regional associations in the UK.

Talking about the differences in the work environment for them when compared to how it was for their mother, Anjel said, “Our mother struggled a lot more than us. Right from learning English, she had to work hard. Though the nature of the work and culture are the same, healthcare is improving every day.

“Changes are happening when we deal with patients. Our mother is in a kind of managerial role, so she has more responsibilities. As junior sisters, our roles are limited,” she said.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less