NHS Links: a new approach to international health links
BMJ 2005; 330 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0504156 (Published 01 April 2005) Cite this as: BMJ 2005;330:0504156
- John Wright, consultant in clinical epidemiology and operations medical director1,
- Mike Silverman, professor of child health2,
- John Sloan, consultant in accident and emergency3
- 1Bradford Teaching Hospitals Trust, Bradford BD9 6RJ
- 2Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester LE2 7LX
- 3Countess of Chester Hospital, Chester CH2 1UL
More and more international health exchanges are taking place between hospitals and primary care organisations in the United Kingdom and those in developing countries. These health links have many benefits (box 1). Exchanges of health professionals can bring much needed expertise to poor communities and help improve access to appropriate health care. As developed countries struggle to rein in health budgets, they can learn a great deal from less developed countries about providing effective health care for a fraction of the cost.
Box 1: Benefits of international health links
Exchange of skills and expertise
Increased global awareness
Development of sustainable partnerships to tackle health inequalities
Cross cultural friendships
Personal development and gaining of new perspectives on life and work
Grassroots involvement of staff in international development issues
Global inequalities
Health links are also a powerful way to raise awareness among health professionals in the United Kingdom about the growing global inequalities in health. More than one million people work in the NHS and health links provide a chance to mobilise an untapped potential of enthusiasm and support.
As well as professional benefits there is also a wide variety of personal benefits. International exchange work can help to develop valuable higher level skills such as global awareness, adaptability, and interpersonal skills.
For organisations, international exchanges provide the opportunity for developing the workforce, nurturing and motivating staff, and championing diversity and a culture of open minds. Exchanges can motivate and energise staff, …
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