Health Minister has acknowledged the
“immensely valuable” contribution made by
internationally-recruited staff in Health and Social Care in
Northern Ireland.
The Minister met a group of doctors recruited from India to work
across a range of grades and specialties in Daisy Hill Hospital
in Newry and Craigavon Hospital, including general surgery,
emergency medicine, urology, gynaecology, radiology and
orthopaedics.
With significant vacancies and challenges recruiting and
retaining doctors, the Southern Health and Social Care Trust's
human resources team launched an international recruitment drive
and travelled to Mumbai, India, to interview candidates.
70 doctors were appointed and have been arriving in the Southern
Trust since October. The Minister had the opportunity to welcome
some of them on a recent visit to Daisy Hill Hospital.
The Minister said: “International
recruitment is a key avenue in addressing our resource issues and
ensuring that our Health & Social Care Trusts can continue to
deliver a safe and effective service for patients.
“The international recruits who come here provide an
immensely valuable contribution to the delivery of Health and
Social Care services for our community. Northern Ireland has a
proud reputation of providing excellent pastoral care for newly
arrived international recruits, underpinned by adherence to the
highest ethical international recruitment principles.
“Since becoming Health Minister, I have had the
opportunity to meet many staff working in the HSC across Northern
Ireland. We are very fortunate to have such a
dedicated workforce, including our internationally-recruited
colleagues who are very welcome and deeply valued for the vital
contribution they make to patients and society every
day.”
Since 2016, 1,687 international nurses have been recruited and
remain in post regionally across the five HSC Trusts through the
well-established and highly successful International Nurse
Recruitment project. In addition, over the last three years, a
total of 207 international doctors have been recruited to HSC
Trusts. Work is now progressing to develop the potential for
international recruitment for other healthcare professions
including pharmacy, social work and allied health
professionals.
Internationally-recruited staff take part in a specially designed
induction programme, aimed at supporting them and ensuring a
smooth transition into the HSC. It includes training within their
specialty areas and pastoral support to help them with practical
issues and to get acquainted with their new community.
Southern Trust Chief Executive Dr Maria O'Kane said:
“A highly skilled workforce is absolutely essential for the
delivery of safe and effective health care. At such a challenging
time for health and social care, with growing demand for services
and ongoing workforce challenges, we want to stabilise and
develop staffing across the organisation.
“International colleagues are a very valuable addition to our
workforce across all professions, joining our dedicated and
compassionate teams to improve the care we offer. The people who
work in the Southern Trust, live and contribute not just to
health and social care but to the overall prosperity of the local
area.
“Huge thanks to all of our HR, medical, support staff and teams
across wards and departments who are working hard to help our new
colleagues to integrate into their services. We are delighted
that these doctors have chosen to travel across the world to live
and work in the Southern Trust. They are receiving a very
warm welcome from staff, patients and our local community and we
wish them every success in developing their careers with us.”
Dr Ankita Dash, a Doctor in General Medicine, said: “I am glad to
be here at Daisy Hill Hospital. Northern Ireland has a unique
charm that gets under your skin. The hospital is not just a place
of work but a vibrant community of extremely encouraging and
supporting consultants, colleagues and staff.
“The hospital understands that we are new to the HSC, and to this
place, and so they are always there to help us and answer our
questions. I strongly believe Northern Ireland is the best place
to start your career and excel in it.”
Notes to editors:
- The Department published the new updated Code of Practice for
International Recruitment in April 2023 which aims to protect the
rights of international recruits across health and social care,
including those employed within the independent sector:
doh-ni-code-practice-23.pdf
(health-ni.gov.uk)
