'We need to better celebrate our international NHS staff'
NHS staff have been recruited to Devon from the Philippines, India, United Arab Emirates, Jamaica, India, South Africa and Kuwait in the past year
Last updated 24th Apr 2025
More than 1,500 people from abroad now work in Devon's NHS and an event today is celebrating their contribution.
Almost one in five people working in the NHS in England report a nationality other than British, and today in Torquay global healthcare leaders will discuss the positive impact of global expertise in healthcare.
The event at Torbay Hospital's TREC lecture theatre aims to offer a 'thought-provoking conversations about global health improvement and educational opportunities for professionals'.
More than 1,500 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.
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.”
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.”
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 alliance, supported by NHS England, has recruited overseas doctors / nurses / health care professionals from the Philippines, India, United Arab Emirates, Jamaica, South Africa, Kuwait and others during the past year.