Celebration and reflection

Today marks 75 years of the NHS. A day for celebration and reflection.

It’s impossible to talk about the history of the NHS without talking about the HMT Empire Windrush.

The Windrush generation was instrumental in one of our countries’ greatest achievements – the NHS.

The performance of any healthcare system ultimately depends on its people – the NHS is no exception. As the largest UK employer and one of the largest employers globally of high-skilled professionals, the NHS is an inspiring tale of what can be achieved with the power of diversity.

Whilst we celebrate the diversity and compassion of the NHS, as we commemorate the 75th milestone of a free healthcare system, it is our duty to equally recognise and reflect on the difficulties that Black professionals faced (and still face), both for those coming from overseas and those born in Britain.

At the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) annual conference in May this year, Black nurses questioned how much has really changed 75 years after Windrush.

During the conference, Grace Chukwurah, who works at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Trust, questioned how much had changed since 1948 for overseas nurses. Ms Chukwuarh asked whether we truly have an immigration system that treats immigrants with respect and compassion?

Des Osunde, from the Greater Glasgow RCN branch, echoed Ms Chukwurah’s comments, saying “It is our job to care for each other and to support ourselves and the nurses so that no one is discriminated on any grounds. Please accept Windrush as a problem, so we don’t repeat this again in another 70 years’ time.”

The Windrush generation was vital to building the inspiring National Health Service that so many have benefited from throughout the last 75 years. Many descendants from the founding families continue their legacy of service within this incredible institution.

That’s why today is a day of celebration and recognition for every person employed by the NHS. We give thanks to you for your positive contribution to our health and welfare.

Giving thanks

As we celebrate 75 years of the NHS, I would like to extend my personal gratitude.

“I’ve always had significant respect for the NHS. But you never get to truly appreciate the value of their service until you feel it personally, which I did when my daughter was born – 6 weeks premature. Having spent 2 weeks in NICU, my wife and I experienced, first hand, the special care they delivered to our little girl. Not only that, we were in awe of the abundant support they provided to two first-time frazzled parents that was truly eye opening. I’ll forever be in their debt! Thank you to these incredible individuals who selflessly care for others.”

Thank you from everyone here at Insight.

Rob Parker – Public Sector Property & FM Recruitment

Source: Nursing Times