A TOP BOSS at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) has been named as one of the top 50 Black, Asian and minority ethnic figures.
Marimouttou Coumarassamy, known as Coumar, the director of operations at the trust was recognised by the Health Service Journal (HSJ) as a person who will exercise the most power and/or influence in the English NHS and health policy in the next year.
Coumar has spoken many times of the issues facing NHS staff from Asian backgrounds who have dependent relatives in their home countries and the challenges that nurses experience moving to a new environment.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been recognised for the work that I am incredibly passionate about and dedicated to.
“I started my career as an international nurse after leaving my home in Pondicherry, India.
“My experience when joining BSMHFT was an extremely welcoming one where my opinions were respected, and my voice was heard.
“Throughout the NHS, diversity is fundamental to ensuring that we provide patient-focused care. I have found this to be especially true at BSMHFT as we have one of the most diverse cities in the UK.”
