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The International Care Collective podcast

The International Care Collective podcast

By: Samuel Elliott-Olechnowicz
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Welcome to The International Care Collective, the Podcast that shares and explains the journey's of international staff joining the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. Here is the place to learn about all of the reasons why current NHS staff chose to join the NHS, the challenges they faced on their journeys and how they see their careers in the UK.


Powered by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and in collaboration with NHS England's #StayandThrive programme, we speak to multiple clinical professions about their transition to life and work in the UK and look at the four pillars of practice:


- Creating strong foundations

- Making new recruits feel welcome

- Building belonging

- Maximising personal and professional growth.


Join us on our journey of discovery about some of the wonderful people that make our NHS!


Creator/Host: Sam Elliott-Olechnowicz

Producers : Ed Bignell, Hayden Gymer and Ioannis Vatis, Sam Elliott-Olechnowicz

Content Editor: Bella Gaffarena


**ALL MUSIC AND SOUNDS USED ARE FROM SLIPSTREAM (slipstreammusic.com) **

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Samuel Elliott-Olechnowicz
Hygiene & Healthy Living Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Sara Hashmi’s Therapeutic Radiography Journey in the NHS
    Dec 23 2025

    In this heartfelt episode, we meet Sara Hashmi, a therapeutic radiographer whose journey to the UK began on 1st June 2023. Although a delay in receiving her Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) postponed her NHS start date to 20th June, Sara’s story is one of resilience, patience, and purpose.


    Now proudly working within the NHS, Sara shares what she loves most about life in the UK — from the freedom and safety of solo travel to the joy of exploring new places. Her role as a therapeutic radiographer holds deep meaning, as she provides holistic care to cancer patients with compassion and pride.


    Sara joins the podcast to inspire others with her journey, hoping to give confidence to those chasing their dreams. Her message is clear: never give up — your story could be the spark someone else needs.


    🔊 Whether you're considering a career in healthcare, navigating international relocation, or simply looking for a dose of motivation, this episode is a must-listen.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    32 mins
  • Precision and Compassion – Sibghat’s Journey from Pakistan to Nuclear Medicine in the NHS
    Dec 16 2025

    In this episode, we welcome Sibghat (Sib), a Nuclear Medicine Technologist from Pakistan who arrived in the UK on 4th May 2024 and began his NHS career at University Hospitals Sussex on 14th May 2024. Moving to a new country and stepping into a different healthcare system was both exciting and challenging, but for Sib, it quickly became one of the most meaningful chapters of his life.


    Sib shares what he loves most about working in the UK — the culture of compassion, teamwork, and respect that defines his department. His role in Nuclear Medicine blends advanced imaging with human connection, supporting accurate diagnoses while helping patients feel at ease during moments of uncertainty.


    For Sib, this work is more than technical; it’s a privilege to be part of a patient’s journey, to bring kindness into clinical moments, and to collaborate with colleagues who share the same values. In this episode, he reflects on his transition, growth, and sense of belonging at UHSx, hoping his story inspires others and celebrates the diverse journeys that strengthen the NHS.


    🔊 Whether you’re considering a move to the UK, working in healthcare, or simply curious about the impact of international professionals, this episode is full of insight and inspiration.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    48 mins
  • NHS England’s #StayandThrive Community of Practice
    Dec 9 2025

    In this episode, we’re joined by two passionate leaders from NHS England North East and Yorkshire:


    🔹 Victoria Bagshaw, Deputy Director of Workforce and Education

    🔹 Mark Doblas, Lead Nurse for International Retention, Multi-professional Workforce & Education Team


    Together, they unpack the vision and impact of the #StayandThrive Community of Action — a transformative initiative designed to support internationally recruited NHS staff, not just in joining the workforce, but in truly thriving within it.


    From recruitment to retention, Victoria and Mark share how #StayandThrive is creating meaningful change by fostering inclusion, professional development, and long-term support for overseas staff. This episode explores the importance of community, leadership, and strategic action in building a more resilient and diverse NHS.


    🔊 Whether you're an international recruit, a workforce leader, or someone passionate about equity in healthcare, this conversation offers valuable insights into how we can all contribute to a more supportive and sustainable NHS.


    Learn more about the initiative at www.england.nhs.uk/stay-thrive


    Follow the #stayandthrive Team on their socials:


    X : https://x.com/stayandthrive


    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stay_and_thrive?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==


    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stay-and-thrive/


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    47 mins
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