GMMH International Recruitment Project Lead meets King at Buckingham Palace
In recognition of her work with international recruitment, Kahani Awasare was invited to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 14 November 2023, to attend a reception hosted by The King, which recognised the diversity of nurses and midwives in the UK and paid a particular tribute to the contribution of the internationally educated workforce.
Kahani joined Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) via an international recruitment programme in 2003. She currently works as International Recruitment Project Lead and Pastoral Lead.
Kahani has been a champion for international recruitment at GMMH and across the region, building strong relationships with colleagues in other Trusts. So far, she has welcomed over 35 nurses to GMMH, providing each one with a bespoke induction programme, local tours and ongoing supervision, one-to-one meetings, and pastoral care to help them settle into their new roles.
Part of the NHS 75 celebrations and taking place on The King’s own 75th birthday, the reception was attended by international nurses from around the UK as well as Steven Colfar, Director for Nursing & AHP Workforce for the North West at NHS England and Dame Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England.
Left to Right: Dame Ruth May and Kahani Awasare
Speaking after the reception, Kahani, said:
“It was amazing experience to meet and greet King Charles III on his 75th Birthday and I was able to shake hands with him. I was able to meet and chat with other international nurses, midwives and doctors from other Trusts.
"I also had the honour to Meet Dame Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, and invite Ruth to visit GMMH in the new year.
"It was a very special occasion and I feel honoured and privileged by the nomination to attend the reception hosted by The King.”
To find out more about our international nurse recruitment programme, visit International Nurse Recruitment | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT (gmmh.nhs.uk).
