George Eliot Hospital Celebrates Overseas NHS Workers Day 2026 with Culture, Recognition and Stories of Belonging

George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust marked Overseas NHS Workers Day 2026 with a vibrant celebration led by the EmbRace Network, in collaboration with Faith, Belief and Spirituality Network, recognising the contributions and lived experiences of colleagues from overseas. This event is supported by the George Eliot Hospital Charity. The event took place on Monday 9th March at the Eliot Lecture Theatre and featured a rich programme of cultural performances, leadership messages and keynote speeches.

The celebration opened with welcome remarks from Wilfredo Vitao, Jr., EmbRace Network Chair, who highlighted that the day is an opportunity not only to celebrate colleagues who have come from overseas to serve within the NHS, but also to recognise the advocates, mentors, and allies who walk alongside them. He reflected on the importance of creating supportive environment where international colleagues can settle, grow and thrive.

Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, Councillor Bhim Saru, also joined the event, offering his support and recognition of the important role overseas staff play in strengthening both the NHS workforce and the wider community.

A highlight of the morning was a series of cultural performances shared by colleagues across the Trust, each celebrating the diverse heritage that enriches George Eliot Hospital.

• African Song Number by Eunice Mshengu (Research Nurse), Joseph Nyaboko (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Specialist Nurse), Kajavalini Chandran (Assistant Research Practitioner), Sekai Nyamhandu (Research Nurse), and Rebecca Mukura (Research Nurse)
• Nepalese Dance Number by Champa Rai (AMU Clinical Sister), Sangita Rai (AMU Clinical Sister), Monica Gurung (ITU Sister), and Manika Limbu (AMU Staff Nurse)

• Filipino Song Number by Maria Rayco (Clinical Sister)
• Indian Dance Number by Theatre Nurses Ammu George, Arya Babu, and Meethu Mathew

The performances brought warmth, colour and energy to the morning, celebrating the global identities represented within the Trust.

Senior leaders Adam Carson (Acting Chief Executive), Ashi Williams (Chief People Officer), and Elva Jordan-Boyd (Director of People) also addressed colleagues and presented Cavell Star Awards, a national recognition celebrating nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who go above and beyond in their roles. Their inclusion in this event added a moment of pride and inspiration for colleagues across the Trust.

• Maria Rayco – For her compassionate leadership and consistently high clinical standards that strengthen ward safety, teamwork, and patient-centred care

• Saephan Campbell - For leading the Virtual Ward with exceptional clarity, safety, and collaboration, enabling hospital level care at home and improving flow across the organisation
• Romchell Webster - For her impactful, patient-centred approach to discharge management, improving hospital flow through clear communication, proactive problem solving, and calm, credible leadership

Five keynote speeches offered rich stories of identity, leadership, and global experience:

• Janelle Kingham (Lead Chaplain) – sharing her personal journey as an immigrant from Canada to Kenya to the UK
• Anil Majithia (Experienced Chair and Non‑Executive Director) – reflecting on a global career shaped by service, resilience and leadership across Uganda, India and the UK
• Sangita Rai (Clinical Sister) – speaking on her early life in Nepal, her professional development in the UK, and the values instilled by her family
• Maria Rayco (Clinical Sister) – sharing over two decades of clinical service from Manila to Guernsey and then GEH
• Juliah Galliers (Cardiology Practice Development Nurse) – reflecting on her international nursing journey and the allyship she received

Each speaker highlighted how overseas staff enrich the NHS through perspective, resilience and deep compassion.

A Support Services Marketplace followed in the GETEC Upper Foyer, showcasing teams including Staff Networks, Professional Nurse Advocates, Health and Wellbeing, Knowledge and Library Services, Practice Education and Development, Freedom to Speak Up and Staff Side.

Overseas NHS Workers Day 2026 celebrated the global majority colleagues who strengthen George Eliot Hospital every day. Through culture, storytelling, recognition and community, the event reaffirmed the Trust’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, equity and belonging.