A VISIT to a hospital on Teesside is proving an eye opener for a theatre nurse from Romania.

Mona OLaru is spending a week shadowing heart surgery staff at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

Jenny McKnight, assistant director of cardiothoracic services, at the Teesside hospital has seen a video of the 29-year-old senior nurse at work in the cardio investigation department in the University Hospital of Parhon, Iasi, and is impressed.

"We're delighted to welcome Mona, who is an extremely competent nurse and an expert in her field in Romania," said Ms McKnight.

She said: "It's a good opportunity for us to learn about the different cultures, expectations, clinical practices and even how we work with different levels of equipment.

"For Mona, clearly this will be a very different experience from Romania but one which she will, no doubt, embrace. I know staff are looking forward to sharing good practice with her."

Ms OLaru, who has worked at the Romanian hospital for five years, was impressed with her first look around the hospital.

"When I came out of the James Cook, I was in shock,'' she said.

"It is amazing what you have for patients, even shops and restaurants."

Ms OLaru came to England with Rod Jones of Convoy Aid, the charity which takes aid to orphanages and hospitals in Romania.

The two first met through Gabby, Mr Jones' wife, as both women went to the same medical school.

Mr Jones said there was an open invitation from the director of Parhon Hospital to James Cook University Hospital to visit.