Published on: 8 April 2025
NHS colleagues who dedicate their own expertise and time to educate their peers in India have been praised following their annual visit to the hospital they support.
This year marked the 19th visit to the Walawalkar Hospital in Dervan, on India’s west coast.
Among the 18 NHS collagues to make the journey were a number of staff members from South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT).
Others included colleagues from neighbouring Trusts in the region and from other areas of the UK.
The trip is organised by the SVJC Trust charity. This was set up by STSFT consultant anaesthetist Dr Sanjay Deshpande, who comes from that area of the country. He is backed by a small team of trustees and other supporters.
Among them is Dr Lance Cope, a consultant radiologist, who retired from the same Trust last year. He serves as the charity's Treasurer.
This year training centred around Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) which is essential for assessing clinical and communication skills in the medical examinations held in the UK.
NHS colleagues with staff from Walawalkar Hospital in Dervan, which is on India’s west coast, during their latest visit.
Also counted among the volunteers this year were trainees from the Northern Deanery, which oversees the training of doctors. They work in breast surgery, orthopaedics and anaesthetics.
Others either work or worked in different areas and roles within the NHS. Between them, they helped educate fellow medical workers in India to help share their area of expertise.
The charity's overall aim is to help medical staff in education and training, enhance confidence and communication skills.
Dr Deshpande emphasised the importance of collaboration amongst medical volunteers, highlighting the diverse expertise brought to the table.
He said:
"I want to thank everyone who made this year’s visit possible. I was to express my sincere gratitude to them as well as commend them for their camaraderie."
More details about the charity can be found through its website www.svjctrust.co.uk
