Our Multicultural Commonwealth representatives speak - “Our Children’s Hospital reflects the multiculturalism of our city"
We caught up with esteemed colleagues Mr Michael Singh, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon, Dr Gerard Millen, Paediatric Oncologist and Dr Suma Uday, Consultant Endocrinologist from our Children’s Hospital, about the exciting Commonwealth Baton Relay that took place earlier this morning. The trio took to the stage to represent and fly the flag for their home countries, Mr Singh from Trinidad, Dr Suma from India and Dr Gerard from Ireland.
We asked the trio for their thoughts on the relay that took place early this morning around our Children’s Hospital. Mr Singh said,
“It’s been very, very exciting – it was really good to see Perry the bull this morning and to see the baton bearers, and the transition from one bearer to the next. The crowd was very excited!”
Dr Gerard shared:
“There’s been a really lovely buzz – to see Perry come in and light the whole room up has been brilliant”.
“I think that the Children’s Hospital as part of the city reflects the multiculturalism of our Birmingham – to have the baton pass through has been great for all staff involved”
Dr Suma added:
“It was all very exciting, I had great fun and was very proud to represent India!”.
Providing expert care to over 90,000 children a year, ensuring our patients and families are represented across all ethnicities is important to us. Mr Singh said: “The diversity of culture is what makes our Children’s Hospital very special – I think the patients and families benefit from seeing the diversity of staff, working to make their kids better”. 
Dr Suma concluded: “Diversity in healthcare is about better understanding the healthcare needs of our diverse community so that we can improve upon our care.”
Sarah-Jane Marsh CBE, Chief Executive Officer at our Children’s Hospital said: ““We couldn’t do what we do without our commonwealth colleagues that we have got right across BWC, they are a really special part of our workforce. To be able to include them and recognise them today just made it even more special so a huge thank you to them for joining us and everything that they do for BWC.”
Getting in the spirit for the Commonwealth Games, Mr Singh told us: “My family and I are going to the opening ceremony tonight to celebrate further”. Dr Gerard will also be celebrating, telling us: “I’m looking forward to the beginning of the games later today”.
We’d like to say thank you to our triumphant trio for putting their best foot forward, flying the flag and representing our Commonwealth Countries for our Children’s Hospital.