A Nigerian nurse, Mrs. Dunni Akinbulumo, who moved to the United Kingdom four years ago has been hailed a community champion by the British health service.

As part of the 75th anniversary of the National Health Service (NHS), Dunni Akinbulumo was given the accolade by the East Lancashire Hospital Trust (ELHT).

According to them, she was recognised for her valuable work in supporting and welcoming internationally recruited nurses.

Akinbulumo, who migrated to the UK from Akure, Ondo State in 2019, started working for the East Lancashire Hospitals Trust as a staff nurse in 2020 and is now the Pastoral Care Nurse for International Recruitment. This means that she is responsible for supporting internationally recruited nurses and helping them transition into their new roles.

Speaking on her passion for her role, Dunni said: “My primary motivation for becoming a nurse was my passion to assist and support others. I have always been drawn to a career that allows me to provide holistic care, and nursing fulfilled all my expectations.”

Being a Pastoral Care Nurse means Dunni is involved in helping the positive and seamless transition of international nurses into their new roles.

She said: “I know that starting a career in a new country and leaving family behind can be daunting, so I am really happy that I can make a difference and help new nurses settle into their new home and job.”

Dunni says that joining ELHT is one of the most rewarding choices she’s ever made.

She explained: “I have had the privilege of working alongside colleagues who exemplify the core values of the organisation and being part of the ELHT family fills me with pride, as the Trust places great importance on colleague wellbeing and patient safety.

“The emphasis on growth and adaptability contributes to the dynamic and enriching environment at ELHT.

“There is lots of support in place for internationally recruited nurses to grow and reach their potential, enabling them to provide exceptional care.”

ELHT values centres on diversity, inclusion and offers a range of opportunities for career growth and development which have helped Dunni progress within the trust.

Dunni says that joining ELHT is one of the most rewarding choices she’s ever made.

She explained: “I have had the privilege of working alongside colleagues who exemplify the core values of the organisation and being part of the ELHT family fills me with pride, as the Trust places great importance on colleague wellbeing and patient safety.

“The emphasis on growth and adaptability contributes to the dynamic and enriching environment at ELHT.

“There is lots of support in place for internationally recruited nurses to grow and reach their potential, enabling them to provide exceptional care.”

She added: “The opportunity and accessibility to progress in more senior roles was a key difference that I noted when I moved here, as in my home country senior positions were typically attained after a certain number of years of service.

“A lot of international nurses that I support also experienced similar barriers to career progression back home, so it gives me immense joy watching them grow in their careers and stepping up into senior posts.

“The NHS is a diverse and inclusive organisation that offers abundant opportunities for learning and development.

“I would encourage new colleagues to set their sights on excellence and strive to become the best version of themselves.”