Overseas NHS Workers Day, held on Friday 1 March 2024, is a day to recognise the incredible contributions of all our valued colleagues from overseas.
At University Hospitals Sussex, we embrace our colleagues from around the world, bringing with them different cultures, languages, and values, and making us a better Trust for it.
We are incredibly proud of the diversity of our workforce, rich in culture and traditions, and having colleagues from over 130 countries, including India, The Philippines, Poland, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and so many more.
Embracing colleagues from all over the world, who make up almost 30% of our workforce, not only diversifies our workforce, but with them they bring new knowledge and skills into our departments and the Trust as a whole.
At UHSussex, we’re proud to have a dedicated international nurses recruitment team who year after year offer an excellent on-boarding programme designed to welcome new overseas nurses. The team strive for a sense of community where the new recruits feel comfortable, safe and at home.
Last year, our international recruitment team were recognised when they were honoured with the Pastoral Care Quality Award for its commitment, compassion, and support to the recruitment of nurses and midwives from outside of the UK.
Following on from this successful work recruiting nurses, we have welcomed Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), including radiographers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists from The Philippines, Nigeria, India and Singapore.
Sam Elliott-Olechnowicz, Senior Practice Educator for International Recruitment at UHSussex said: “All our colleagues who have joined us from overseas countries are a welcomed and valued addition to UHSussex. Bringing with them their own cultures, expertise and knowledge is a great opportunity for us all to learn from and with each other.
“When they arrive in the UK, we make significant efforts to ensure they feel welcomed and supported by offering a comprehensive induction period. We have been highlighted for our compassionate pastoral support previously and take great pride in our guide and toolkit. This contains useful information to support our new colleagues and has been recognised nationally by NHS England.
“We are truly appreciative of our overseas colleagues for their dedication, professionalism, and contribution to UHSussex.”
New recruits
In 2023, through our international recruitment programme we welcomed more than 80 nurses and since June 2023, have recruited almost 40 AHPs from overseas.
This Overseas NHS Workers Day, we thank these colleagues for their invaluable contributions and commitment to our patients.
Hear from just some of our overseas colleagues about their experience with us.
Libin John joined us from India as a nurse on our emergency floor back in 2022, looking to experience the ‘world class health care setup and a better living style.’
He said: “When I started working at UHSussex, I was really anxious and stressed but the overseas nurses team helped me to overcome the situation. After I started working, I realised that the matron, senior leaders and colleagues were very helpful and taught us everything we needed. We can approach them at any time, no words can explain how wonderful they are.
“If you have any plan to work abroad, choosing the NHS will be the greatest decision you’ve ever made, especially if you are at UHSussex. You will get respect, and they never avoid your suggestions or concerns. I really suggest to everyone, please come and join the NHS and experience for yourself how amazing the NHS services are.”
Robo, a physiotherapist, joined the Trust from Nigeria just before Christmas 2023.
He said: “My experience at UHsussex has been amazing. The team and every staff I have met has been wonderful. Good support and assistance since I started. What I love about my role is the care I give to patients and the smile I see on their faces when they get better. Also, I love the huge support I get from the team and how friendly everyone around me is.”
Kevin, a staff nurse in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) came to work at UHSussex from The Philippines in 2021.
He said: “I challenged myself to work abroad for the first time to find better opportunities for career growth. And the NHS did not disappoint as it played a vital role in shaping my life journey here in the UK. It has been instrumental in making a positive and transformative impact both personally and professionally. Further, I had the chance to meet and befriend great mentors and kind colleagues.
“Like other types of work abroad, you will face a lot of challenges and trials as an overseas nurse. However, UHSussex or the NHS in general, has been very supportive to their recruited staff so they would be able to cope and thrive. It has opened many opportunities for learning and development, welcomes differences, and continuously aims to provide a better work-life balance for its staff.”
Rehan is a Senior Therapeutic Radiographer who moved from Pakistan last year.
He said “My experience at UHSussex is a lot better than I was expecting. I appreciate the team work here. Especially the team of therapeutic radiographers, they never let me feel like I am new here and I literally feel like I’ve been working here for so long. I can’t think of moving anywhere else because I have found great people here.
When asked what Rehan loves about working at UHSussex, he said: “Hope, if I can say in one word. We give cancer patients hope they can and will defeat this fatal disease and when I see their faces bright and energy, I love that! Many best wishes to UHSussex and especially the radiotherapy department here. May it prosper each day. Amen.”