Published on: 19 March 2025
The event, hosted by the EmbRace staff network offered a moment to reflect on the invaluable contributions of the NHS’s overseas workforce.
Chaired by Deepa Masani (Freedom to Speak Up Guardian), with Wilfredo Vitao, Jr. (Practice Educator) and Sanjay Jagatia (GEH Charity) as co-chairs, the event was supported by the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) team, the Engagement team, and the George Eliot Hospital Charity.
“This day is more than just a celebration. It’s a moment of gratitude, recognition, and reflection,” said Wilfredo Vitao, Jr., co-chair of the event. “The NHS has truly benefited from the dedication, skill, expertise, and sacrifice of our overseas workforce.”
The event was filled with warmth, excitement, as colleagues from around the world showcased their traditions through music, dance, and performances. Nurses: Arathy Sasi, Arya Babu, Meethu Mathe, Practice Development Nurse Juliah Galliers, and Practice Educator Josephine Benson were praised for their vibrant contributions.
The day also featured inspiring stories from keynote speakers Jeffrey Zurbano, Digital Nurse and Theatre Charge Nurse, Girija Kottickal, Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Sundip Gurung, Study Site Coordinator and Suresh Packiam, Founder and General Secretary of the British Indian Nurses Association.
Their personal stories highlighted the courage, determination, and dedication of those who leave their home countries to build new lives in the UK while enhancing the NHS.
A standout moment of the event was the presentation of a Cavell Star Award to Jeffrey Loren Zurbano for his exceptional dedication to supporting colleagues and leading digital transformation efforts at the Trust.
The event was made possible by the tireless work of Saira Hamid, Engagement Lead, and the wider Engagement Team, alongside Gemma Davies, EDI Business Partner, and the GEH Charity team.
Special recognition was given to Wilfredo Vitao, Jr., whose planning brought the event to life. Deepa Masani expressed her appreciation, saying, “None of this would have been possible without Wil’s vision and dedication. His hard work and commitment to honouring our overseas workers made today a reality.”
Senior leaders who attended the event described it as a deeply moving and humbling experience, praising the keynote speakers for their personal stories of sacrifice, the impactful opening speech, and the sense of international community at George Eliot Hospital.