British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) and University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of cooperation, collaboration and support for EDI, recruitment and people management. The formal celebration of the signing held on 28th April 2023, attended by more than 150 delegates, marked a pivotal moment for both organisations in their shared commitment to improving healthcare provision, nurturing good practices and fostering cultural integration.
The UHL CEO, Mr Richard Mitchell said ” The MOU signing between BAPIO and Leicester Hospitals signifies a deepened commitment to cultural exchange, diversity, and excellence in healthcare. It paves the way for greater collaboration between the organisations, further strengthening the provision of quality healthcare services and fostering a harmonious work environment for all staff”.Speaking about the partnership, Dr Ramesh Mehta, President of BAPIO, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “This MOU signing represents a significant step forward in our shared mission to improve healthcare services and foster cultural integration. We are proud to work with Leicester Hospitals and support UHL in providing an enriching experience for doctors and nurses joining from India. This collaboration will also enable us to contribute to the development of a positive work environment and ensure early resolution of any conflicts”. 
The British Indian Nurses Association’s (BINA) General Secretary, Mr. Suresh Packiam, outlined the accomplishments and dedication to assisting the NHS by advocating initiatives to develop a skilled and dependable nursing workforce. At the regional and local levels, Mr. Suresh Periyasamy of BINA promised his dedication to improving the experience of the nurses. The chief and deputy chief nurses of UHL, Ms Julie Hogg and Ms Eleanor Meldrum highlighted their excitement to collaborate with BAPIO and BINA.
UHL becomes the first trust in the UK to adopt “Charter for Locally Employed Doctors” recommendations. The Medical Director’s team led by Mr Andrew Furlong and Associate Director of HR, Ms Zoe Marsh with Mr Kantappa Gajanan and Dr Biju Simon expressed delight in achieving this significant initiative.
It was decided to embed BAPIO’s “Dignity at Work Consensus Standards” to UHL. The initiative was acknowledged as a significant step in the right direction by Ms. Clare Teeney, Ms. Karen Ceesay, Chief People Officer and Associate Director of HR, along with Mr. Ashok Khandelwal, Director of BAPIO. This endeavour focuses a strong emphasis on the value of preserving an inclusive and courteous workplace culture.
Leadership, education, and training were just a few of the topics covered during the event. BAPIO and UHL see their collaboration growing by formalising it for the good of the community and the NHS. Mr. John MacDonald, Chair, and Mr. Ballu Patel, Non-executive Director, provided the board’s support. In response, Prof. Parag Singhal provided assurances from BAPIO, including involvement with BTA as a solution for hiring highly competent healthcare professionals for important services. Dr. Satheesh Mathew, Vice President of BAPIO, promised unequivocal support for the MoU from BAPIO leadership.
Dr. Rajesh Arumugam, Dr. Mehar Ahson, Dr. Parveen Doddamani, Mr. Suresh Periyasamy, Dr. Satya Francis, Prof. Fahad Rizvi, and Dr. Biju Simon have demonstrated strong regional and local leadership in setting the agenda. The enthusiastic leadership is working diligently to improve the experience for our people. The MoU signing is the product of several months of industrious work and the first step on the arduous path to the just and equitable society we envision.The partnership is expected to yield long-term benefits for both BAPIO and UHL, as they continue to work together to enhance the quality of care and support for healthcare professionals and patients alike.
Please find the final BAPIO and UHL video here: