Our Entrepreneurs: Samantha Gounden
Meet #OurEntrepreneurs. Today we welcome Samantha Gounden a Practice Educator and Nurse Coach at Oxford University Hospitals
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a registered nurse with 2 decades of experience in healthcare and the Founder of The Improvement Hub, an enterprise supporting internationally educated healthcare professionals. After earning my Bachelor of Nursing Degree from the University of Johannesburg, I gained diverse experience across surgical units, paediatrics, general medicine, and maternity care. Committed to education and professional development, I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from Kingston University (London), Diploma in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), an Insights Coaching Practitioner Course, Agile Project management and the Emerging Leaders Programme with Oxford University and THRUM Leadership.I have built substantial expertise in healthcare leadership and management throughout my career.
Name: Samantha Gounden, NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Cohort 9
Occupation: Practice Educator/Nurse Coach
At The Improvement Hub, I focus on helping internationally educated nurses improve their English communication skills. I have developed an effective program that builds confidence in speaking English as a second language, enabling these nurses to communicate more effectively in healthcare settings and positively impact patient care.
I remain dedicated to lifelong learning and creating an inclusive, supportive environment for healthcare professionals from all backgrounds.
Tell us about your innovation
There is a critical challenge facing the NHS: the integration and retention of Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN’s). Nursing and Midwifery Council data from March 2024 reveals that international recruitment nearly matches UK-trained nurses, with 29,628 international joiners compared to 30,363 UK-trained nurses in the last year. With such a large number, supporting this vital workforce segment is more crucial than ever. Despite their clinical expertise, IEN’s often face significant language and communication barriers that extend beyond meeting basic English proficiency requirements. These challenges create a ripple effect throughout the healthcare system, leading to professional isolation, reduced confidence, and ultimately, higher turnover rates. Studies indicate that IEN’s frequently report feeling isolated, undervalued, and unable to reach their full potential due to communication barriers. This challenge directly impacts NHS priorities outlined in the Long-Term Plan, particularly in addressing workforce inequalities and improving team cohesion. The consequences affect not only staff wellbeing but also the delivery of culturally competent care and patient outcomes. The adaptation process for IEN’s is dynamic and complex, and requires a multifaceted approach that can ensure staff satisfaction. Now, more than ever, the NHS needs to take the steps to support its nurses to thrive, not just survive.
My group coaching programme is focused on helping the many Internationally Trained Nurses (IEN’s) who face daily challenges that go beyond clinical expertise – from struggling to understand quick-speaking patients with diverse accents to hesitating when sharing vital information during handovers due to a fear of being misunderstood because of their strong native accent. These communication barriers can impact both confidence and career progression. We work on the real challenges: decoding informal medical jargon, building confidence in team meetings, and developing the communication skills needed to excel in their roles, eventually increasing their chances of apply for senior positions. What sets this programme apart is its comprehensive support system. Beyond structured workshops and e-learning, nurses join a vibrant community of peers facing similar challenges. Through practical exercises, group discussions, and one-to-one coaching, participants transform their communication skills while building lasting professional networks. Available resources include an e-booklet, online materials, and continuous support. The impact is threefold: improved staff communication and job satisfaction, better retention of valuable international talent within the NHS, and significant cost savings through reduced recruitment needs. Most importantly, this translates to enhanced patient care through clearer team communication and more culturally competent care delivery.
What do you hope to get from the programme.
I discovered the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP) on LinkedIn. As an internationally educated nurse who has experienced the challenges of integrating into the NHS, my journey as an innovator and entrepreneur is driven by a commitment to enhancing the lives of fellow healthcare professionals. Running my coaching program over the past year has highlighted the unmet needs of international nurses and the transformative impact that tailored support can have. I am eager to expand my network and learn how to scale my innovation to benefit NHS staff widely.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the CEP and aim to expand my vision and give back to the NHS. Through the CEP, I hope to refine my business skills, broaden my network, and implement sustainable growth strategies for the program. The mentorship and guidance within CEP will be instrumental in turning my passion project into a scalable solution that benefits both healthcare professionals and the NHS. I aspire to contribute to an NHS that celebrates diversity, supports talent, and builds a future-ready, cohesive healthcare team.
I am ready to absorb all the information the CEP will share with us. My goal is to approach the program with an open mind and learn as much as I can from the mentors and the amazing CE’s on the programme.
Why do you think innovation in healthcare important?
Modern healthcare faces many challenges including an aging population and rising costs. By embracing innovation, the workforce can develop new treatments and care models that improve patient outcomes while using resources wisely. To build a future NHS that meets everyone’s needs, innovation must be at the heart of planning. This means supporting healthcare professionals to try new ideas and working together across different parts of the system.
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