Celebrating the Experts in Our Midst at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
23 December 2024
Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHR) hosted its inaugural Global Health event on Tuesday 10th December 2024, celebrating the invaluable contributions of diaspora staff to global health.
Global Health Partnerships were proud to support this significant milestone as part of our Experts in Our Midst programme – which aims to recognise and harness the expertise of diaspora healthcare professionals, amplifying their voices and promoting collaboration for a globally engaged NHS.
Hosted by Professor Gideon Mlawa, the event was a vibrant celebration of partnerships and achievements, featuring inspiring presentations, interactive sessions, and thought-provoking discussions that celebrated the diversity of BHR’s workforce, where staff from 146 countries contribute not only to the NHS but also to healthcare systems in their countries of heritage.
The event brought together over 70 delegates and key global health leaders, including Tanzania’s High Commissioner to the UK Mbelwa Kairuki, and Tanzania’s Health Minister, Jenista Mhagama. BHR’s Chief Executive Officer, Matthew Trainer, Global Health Partnerships Chief Executive Officer, Ben Simms, and Professor Ged Byrne, Director of Global Health for NHS England were also in attendance, demonstrating critical buy-in and support for diaspora-led global health collaborations. Minister Jenista Mhagama praised the tangible impact of these initiatives on strengthening Tanzania’s healthcare system, while Matthew Trainer reaffirmed the Trust’s commitment to advancing global health activities and partnerships.
Professor Mlawa noted that one in eight nurses and one in three doctors in the NHS were trained overseas, many of whom continue to give back to their countries of origin:
“With this event today, we are celebrating the contribution of international health workers to the NHS, but most importantly, their continued contribution to their country of heritage”
The value of recognising and celebrating diaspora staff was emphasised throughout the event. BHR’s Chief Medical Officer, Andrew Deaner, highlighted the often overlooked work of diaspora healthcare professionals, encouraging the sharing and amplification of their contributions. Janine de la Rosa, Chief People Officer at BHR, powerfully brought this theme to life with her reading of the poem “You Called and We Came” by Professor Laura Serran, a moving tribute to the resilience, dedication, and impact of diaspora health workers:
“From far and wide we answered the call, carrying skills, hopes, and dreams, for a better world”
A significant highlight of the event was the showcase of impactful global health initiatives led by BHR’s diaspora staff. Dr. Mandeep Phull, Consultant Anaesthetist, shared her impactful work in Tanzania, where partnerships have been established to address staffing challenges, resource capacity, and foster meaningful collaborations. Dr. Lunik Sardar and Dr. Dondorebarwe Sakutombo discussed their efforts to improve patient access to point-of-care ultrasound scanning (POCUS) in Bangladesh, training 35 doctors and establishing multiple POCUS hubs, that have significantly enhanced diagnostic capabilities. Similarly, Dr. Amanda Mbonye highlighted collaborative cardiology projects between Barts Health and the Uganda Heart Institute, focusing on bi-directional learning, clinical research, and the development of cardiology services. These initiatives showcased how personal cultural and familial connections can inspire impactful contributions, benefiting communities both overseas and the NHS.
These presentations, alongside an interactive session led by Global Health Partnerships, encouraged attendees to reflect on current global health activities, share challenges, and envision ways to strengthen diaspora involvement. Participants identified actions to raise awareness, connect interested staff, and increase opportunities for global health engagement. The session fostered meaningful connections and highlighted actionable steps to increase diaspora participation and contributions to global health, ensuring their skills and expertise are further harnessed for global benefit.
BHR’s first Global Health event marked a significant step forward in celebrating and harnessing the expertise of diaspora staff. We are proud to have supported this momentous occasion and look forward to continuing our work to amplify these voices and drive meaningful change in global health.
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