Healthcare teams at two Black Country NHS Trusts are celebrating the valuable difference made by internationally recruited staff members as part of this Overseas NHS Workers Day (7 March 2025).

The annual celebration recognises the incredible contribution which overseas workers make to the NHS and how they support colleagues, patients and patients’ loved ones.

Chioma Akuchukwu is a Trainee Sonographer at Walsall Manor Hospital. She joined the organisation in July 2023 as a Diagnostic Radiographer. In July 2024 she got a new position as a Trainee Sonographer in Obstetrics.

Growing up, she had first considered working as a Pharmacist but soon learnt about radiography and its role in a patient’s care – becoming fascinated with the science behind it all.

Now in the UK, she is specialising in sonography and hoping to qualify in the summer.

She explained: “As a trainee my role involves scanning women during their pregnancy to check the baby’s health and wellbeing. It’s ensuring the baby’s getting all the nutrition they need, and informing other healthcare professionals, such as the Doctors and Midwives, of our findings.”

The 45-year-old said: “My colleagues were so welcoming when I joined and have always been so friendly and supportive.”

Sohan Almedia, Senior Interventional/Cardiac Radiographer, joined The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust in November 2022.

He had been working in radiography for six years back in home in Sri Lanka before making the move to the UK.

He said: “I had always wanted to work in healthcare, and to help people.”

“As a qualified radiographer I was looking to move abroad for opportunities, and I saw the role come up here in Wolverhampton. I wanted to work in a big organisation such as the NHS – in an innovative institution where I could grow my career and make a difference.”

After meeting the necessary requirements to practice radiography in the UK, Sohan and his wife moved over to the Midlands.

The 31-year-old said: “I was a little apprehensive at first while moving to a new country. It was quite an adjustment – especially because it’s a lot colder, and rainier, than where I’m from.”

Now working in both interventional radiology and cardiology, Sohan operates advanced imaging technology to diagnose and treat various conditions, offering a less invasive alternative to surgery.

He explained, “We produce high-quality X-ray images while ensuring minimal radiation exposure to patients. These images play a crucial role in diagnosing medical conditions and guiding minimally invasive treatments, ultimately improving patients’ quality of life.”

Sohan thanked his wider team for their “kindness” and for helping him to settle into working life here in Wolverhampton.

Joe Chadwick-Bell, Group Chief Executive, said: “I’m already witnessing the incredible impact of our internationally recruited staff.

“I really appreciate your contribution towards the delivery of high-quality care, especially as many continue to adjust to life here in Walsall and Wolverhampton. Thank you for all that you do.”