Health Minister Mike Nesbitt 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 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.”