Celebrating Devon’s NHS global workforce

The incredible contribution of Devon’s global NHS workforce will be celebrated at an event in Torquay this week.

More than 1500 international healthcare professionals recruited via the Devon Alliance are employed across Devon’s NHS, providing vital skills and sharing their expertise to help deliver high quality health and care to people in the county.

Almost one in five people working in the NHS in England report a nationality other than British, and on Thursday 24 April a host of inspiring global healthcare leaders will discuss the positive impact of global expertise in healthcare, taking part in thought-provoking conversations about global health improvement and educational opportunities for professionals.

The event, which has been organised by the Devon Alliance for International Recruitment, also celebrates the charity Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET) Experts In Our Midst programme. This programme champions the expertise of diaspora healthcare professionals – people who have moved from their country of origin to live and work in the UK – recognising their vital role in strengthening healthcare both in the UK and globally.

Speakers include:

• Moses Mulimira, Diaspora Engagement Advisor, Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET)
• Charity Gladstone MBE, Chair of the Malawian Nurses Association
• Gifty Markey, Associate Chief Nursing Officer for mental health, learning disabilities and neurodiversity at North Bristol NHS Trust, and Joint Chair – Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Midwifery Officer ‘s BME Strategic Advisory Group at NHS England
• Hannah Samu, Diaspora Engagement Programme Manager, Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET)
• Sawdah Mohamed, Policy and Engagement Coordinator Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET)

Head of International Nursing and Workforce at the Devon Alliance, Tracey Collins, said: “We are delighted to celebrate the vital role our diaspora NHS and social care staff play in healthcare here in Devon and Globally. The day is a special event to hear personal stories and share learning and best practice to support healthcare for all.”

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Nurse, Nicola McMinn said: “We are proud to have a diverse workforce, including our global workers, who bring such an amazing range of knowledge and expertise to our NHS, and are an integral part of Devon’s NHS.

“Moving home and starting a new job in a new country, is a big step for most people, but we’re committed to supporting our overseas colleagues to make them feel valued in their new role. We have many global colleagues who share their skills and knowledge with us in their new role and teach us things to improve how we provide health and care in our communities.

“This event is an opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the vast range of experience and diversity that our international healthcare colleagues bring to Devon’s NHS, benefitting the people we care for and the skills they bring to help us to deliver better health and care for all.”

Moses Mulimira, Diaspora Engagement Advisor, Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET) said: “Diaspora healthcare workers are the backbone of our NHS and care system – and Devon shows just how powerful that contribution can be. With over 1500 international recruits and a 99.8% retention rate (over the past 4 years), this is a gold-standard example of how supporting international staff well – before and after they arrive – transforms care for everyone. Our Experts in Our Midst Programme recognises diaspora staff not just as contributors, but as leaders – bridging global knowledge to strengthen healthcare both in the UK and worldwide.”

The event takes place from 10am-2pm at the TREC lecture theatre in Torbay Hospital, TQ2 7AA. Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust is part of the Devon Alliance for International Recruitment which comprises six NHS trusts across the county which share resources and have a single approach to recruitment. The alliance, supported by NHS England, has recruited overseas doctors / nurses / health care professionals from the Philippines, India, United Arab Emirates, Jamaica, India, South Africa, Kuwait and others during the past year.

Before the nurses arrive in the UK, they are already qualified to a high standard, but are required to sit a practical assessment (OSCE exam) to achieve registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and work on wards as registered nurses, doctors, midwives, allied health professionals and care workers.

This is a free event, but places are limited. Pease contact Laura Travers to register.