As part of our mission to enhance health systems across the world, The Global Health Unit at NHS England has established Managed Education Partnerships that utilise the NHS’s expert knowledge and experience to support health workforce development. By working in collaboration with expert, overseas Governments, and an NHS Hospital Trust the partnerships ensure that solutions are developed in a co-creative manner, resulting in sustainable and effective outcomes.
In Saint Vincent & the Grenadines (SVG) a critical component of the partnership is the development of a sustainable relationship with West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (WYICB) and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT).
In February 2025, a joint delegation from NHS England, LTHT, WYICB and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) visited SVG. The delegation engaged in site visits, met with healthcare leaders including the Prime Minister, and facilitated a second STAR workforce transformation workshop to build on existing successes and shape the next phase of the partnership.
Partners
The STAR
The STAR framework helps to define key workforce requirements and develop offers that improve care to service users. In SVG, three critical elements were identified with the aim to drive positive change and enhance healthcare quality for all:
- Virtual education programmes – that connects healthcare professionals together to develop their leadership and clinical skills through online communities of practice.
- Global Health Fellows – NHS clinical or non-clinical employees from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, who volunteer for six-month periods to participate in quality improvement projects.
- Clinical Observers are healthcare professionals from SVG who spend 6-8 weeks at Leeds Teaching NHS Hospital Trust on an Educational Placement Programme.
Benefits
NHS Staff
The programme has brought about a number of benefits, for those who have participated in the partnership:
- Appreciating cultural diversity, working more sensitively with patients and colleagues from different backgrounds, enhancing collaboration and understanding.
- Problem-solving skills have improved, leadership skills have been transformed, and participants have been empowered to take charge of their own growth.
- A greater appreciation for the important roles played by other staff members, fostering a more cohesive and harmonious team environment.
- Participants now have a heightened sense of fulfilment, knowing that their work is making a difference in the lives of others.
NHS
The NHS system has experienced significant benefits that have made a real difference to staff, patients, and global relationships:
- Boosted staff morale and improved retention.
- An appreciation of new ideas and best practices from around the world demonstrating that the NHS continues to learn and grow.
- Stronger relationships with other healthcare providers, creating a valuable network for support and knowledge sharing.
- Improved cultural awareness and understanding
- NHS staff have become more resourceful in challenging situations.
Overseas Governments
Overseas government mirrors that of the benefits to NHS staff and the NHS system.
- Enhancing service delivery by sharing internationally, experiences, knowledge, and best practices.
- Broadening horizons and sharing fresh perspectives on common challenges.
- Strengthening clinical and Public Health practices through exposure to broader organisational structures, and diverse management styles.
- Tackling global health challenges through collaboration
“I was able to see how the team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust approached [geriatric] care at different points and was able to take tips/guidance from their practice which I believe will improve the care I provide back in SVG.”
Contact
To contact the team, please email: england.system.offer@nhs.net