Arthur Sibanda represented NELFT at a reception for international nurses and midwives hosted by the King at Buckingham Palace on 14 November.

The event highlighted the diversity of nurses and midwives in the UK and paid tribute to the contribution of the internationally educated workforce.

Arthur, who has over a decade of nursing experience, is a Clinical Facilitator with the Practice Experience and Programmes Team at Goodmayes Hospital, moved to the UK from Zimbabwe in 2022.

The King met a selection of international nurses and midwives at the Buckingham Palace reception including Arthur, who said:  

“We were all overwhelmed with emotion to have this opportunity presented to us and I was grateful to represent the Trust. I met international nurses from across the UK, who were also delighted to grace this occasion. It was such an honour and privilege.”

The celebrations came as part of the NHS 75th anniversary, while also marking the King’s 75th birthday.

More than 400 nurses and midwives attended the reception, which concluded with a surprise birthday song, performed by the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir NHS choir.