On NHS Overseas Workers Day (6 March), the team behind a new podcast sharing the stories of NHS staff from around the world are celebrating being commissioned for more episodes following the success of their first series.
Created by staff at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, The International Care Collective (ICC) podcast has won nearly 4,000 subscribers on YouTube since its launch three months ago.
Bridging the gap between global backgrounds and local care, the project is funded by NHS England’s #StayandThrive programme which is now expanding the pod’s reach and influence with a second series.
Sam Elliott-Olechnowicz, a Senior Multi-Professional practice educator in Brighton and the brains behind the project, is thrilled with the new funding and being able to announce it on NHS Overseas Workers Day 2026.
“Winning a second series is simply brilliant and a huge achievement for everyone involved,” said Sam. “We created the pod to shine a light on the incredible journeys of colleagues who have joined us from overseas – people who have left behind families, homes, and familiar lives to help us deliver better care here in the UK.
“Their courage, resilience, and dedication are so inspiring, and the popularity of the International Care Collective is testament tothis. Behind every role in healthcare is a human story of sacrifice and hope. And we’re incredibly proud that University Hospitals Sussex is leading the way in giving these professionals the platform they truly deserve.”
The International Care Collective officially launched at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton on 21 November 2025, with an event highlighting the Trust’s culture of inclusion and featuring staff from all over the world, including Brazil, South Africa, Uganda, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Nigeria.
Shahd Khalil, the star of episode three and consultant radiologist who joined University Hospitals Sussex from Egypt said: “Stories are powerful – and when we tell our stories, we share a precious part of ourselves that can help someone in the middle of their journey through the challenges and difficulties that build up their own stories.”
Mark Doblas, lead nurse for International Retention at NHS England #StayandThrive, believes the show’s appeal lies in its universal themes: “This podcast is truly for everyone – it offers powerful stories of triumphs and challenges, of migration, and of finding a sense of belonging. If you want to understand NHS staff from across the world more deeply on NHS Overseas Workers Day, you’ll discover thoughtful insights and surprising facts in every episode.”
Sibghat Ullah, a nuclear medicine technologist from Pakistan now working at University Hospitals Sussex agreed, and noted the project’s collaborative spirit: “Thanks to Sam’s dedication and the support of the Trust, this podcast beautifully captures the courage and contribution of international colleagues – stories that deserve to be shared.”
A global workforce story
The latest national figures highlight the increasing diversity of our health service, with more than 21% of the NHS workforce (approximately 325,000 staff) coming from overseas, representing more than 210 different countries. This global contribution is especially vital in clinical roles, where more than 36% of doctors and 30% of nurses join the NHS from all around the world.
Jonathan Adeniran, a respiratory physiotherapist from Nigeria working in Sussex hopes the interviews attract even more global talent: “The ICC podcast helps raise awareness about the enormous opportunities available for brilliant minds in the UK, and it is amazing that it does this through the unique stories of guests who have been outstanding in their fields.”
Dr Beccy Cooper, MP for Worthing West and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health and Security, attended the launch to show her support: “Having worked across Africa, South America, and Asia, every time I go there I learn different things about how to improve our own health and wellbeing.
“We benefit hugely from people coming to this country to work in our NHS, just as other countries benefit from our workforce. This multicultural system benefits all of us, and we should all support such vital healthcare expertise contributing to our NHS.”
Listen to their stories
The International Care Collective Podcast is available on all major platforms: