MORE homes to accommodate overseas nursing staff and key workers in North Wales will be available in a first partnership scheme of its kind.

The scheme, between housing provider, Adra, and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), will enable nursing staff, to access "high quality, safe and affordable" accommodation close to their place of work.

The first four staff members have moved into housing in Abergele.

Traditionally, the availability of such accommodation within the health board’s area of operation has been limited.

Iwan Trefor Jones, Adra’s deputy chief executive, said: “We are proud to continue our partnership with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and we’re so glad that we can offer our support and help the NHS during this trying and uncertain time.

“When working in difficult circumstances, a comfortable home is valuable and important. We are happy to be able to provide this to overseas nursing staff and key workers who are playing a vital role in supporting our local NHS hospitals.”

Adra will be providing homes to 75 nursing staff a year.

Mark Wilkinson, executive director of Planning and Performance at BCUHB, said: “This is a great boost for us to have Adra on board with their expertise in landlord services. The Covid-19 pandemic has presented challenges in recruiting staff, particularly staff from overseas. Being able to provide this modern, high quality accommodation for these staff in partnership with Adra is a very welcome development.”

April Bureros, a member of overseas nursing staff and Adra tenant said: “When we arrived the house was welcoming and everything we need was already here when we arrived.

"We have a comfortable and quiet environment to come home to after a busy shift at the hospital.”