The University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) supporting Indian and other ethnic minority doctors who want to work in the UK and develop their careers.
The agreement was signed by UHN CEO Laura Churchward and BAPIO President Dr Ramesh Mehta during a conference held at the Northamptonshire County Cricket Ground in Northampton on October 11, 2024.
UHN Group Medical Director, Mr Hemant Nemade, said: “There is a growing demand for medical staff in the UK and working with BAPIO will enable us to offer some great career development opportunities for doctors in a structured way with UHN.
“BAPIO has a strong commitment to education and training and to supporting equal opportunities for Indian colleagues who want to work in the UK.
“BAPIO has solid foundations and processes and we look forward to working with them and their professionals. Longer term this will include offering rotational opportunities across both UHN and UHL for doctors who want to develop their skills and experience.”
Other benefits for UHN will be reduced reliance on non-contractual staffing and the associated costs. BAPIO doctors will benefit from the Trust’s programs of work to support Resident Doctors and SAS doctors.
BAPIO President, Dr. Ramesh Mehta, said: “BAPIO is delighted that UHN is promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in a meaningful and significant way. We look forward to working with UHN to support ethnic minority staff in the Trust.”
The conference and Memorandum of Understanding day featured some fantastic talks and inspirational speakers who highlighted some of the great things already being done in the UK and locally to foster collaboration.
The event attracted healthcare professionals from across the region and included executive speakers and special guests from the national platform. The cultural celebration perfectly demonstrated the richness of the new relationship and was the highlight of the day.
Pictured at the event are Dr Ramesh Mehta (President, BAPIO) speaking to the event and the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding (left to right – Dr Satheesh Mathew (Vice President, BAPIO), Prof. Geeta Menon (Chair, BAPIO), Paula Kirkpatrick (UHN CPO), Laura Churchward (UHN CEO), Dr Ramesh Mehta, Richard Mitchell (UHN UHL CEO), Prof. Parag Singhal (Hon Secretary, BAPIO), Hemant Nemade (UHN Medical Director)).