In the UK, Black History Month takes place every October. It gives everyone the opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture and how people from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries.
The history of the NHS is that of diversity – from the arrival of the Windrush in 1948 to today, the NHS has relied on talent from around the world.
Our current NHS workforce is more diverse than at any point in its history.
It is our responsibility to ensure that our diverse workforce truly has an equitable experience at work regardless of disability, gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.
- The NHS in England employs more than 1.4 million people - 26.4% (380,108) were from an ethnic minority background, an increase from 21% in 2020.
- The NHS continues to attract talents from diverse backgrounds – ethnic minority representation is at a record high, surpassing 2022 recruitment rates.
- The history of the NHS is that of diversity – from 1948 to today, the NHS has always relied on talent from around the world.
- Over 40% of the medical and dental workforce across the NHS in England are from an ethnic minority background compared to less than 20% representation in the population.
- The NHS is more diverse than at any time in its history – 77% of our workforce are women, we have more people from an ethnic minority background than ever before, more people with a disability or long term conditions, people of different faiths or none and people of different sexual orientations.
This Black History Month, NHS England has launched its first sick cell podcast series. Predominantly affecting people of black African and black African Caribbean ethnicity, in episode one, sickle cell patient Stephanie George reminds us all, of the importance of compassion. Stephanie is joined by Dr Rossby Awadzi, a London doctor in haematology who runs the sickle cell patient education series and Dr Dianne Addei, NHS England’s lead for sickle cell improvement. Rossby and Dianne discuss the importance of genetic blood matching, provide an update on the sickle cell disorder emergency department bypass units and the role of patient education. The series will consist of six weekly episodes, which are subtitled.
Watch episode one here: https://on.soundcloud.com/hgLctbArVkQi5wct7.
Events
As part of our Black History Month plans, we have two exciting events planned, find out more by clicking the buttons below.
Reclaiming Narratives
The theme for this year’s BHM is #ReclaimingNarratives which invites every member of the Black community to take part in shaping how their stories are told, to ensure their voices are heard, their experiences are acknowledged, and contributions are celebrated.
Celebrate the voices of Black leaders who have transformed the world and check out the power of Black voices in the PowerPoint below.
Meet some of our Black workforce
Check out the activities taking place across Liverpool City Region.
There is lots happening in Liverpool including free events at the International Slavery Museum and a free trail at the Museum of Liverpool throughout October.
Additional information and support
- Join our Multi Ethnic Colleagues Network
- ZERO acceptance of racism, discrimination and unacceptable behaviours
- Freedom to Speak up
- Anti-racism e-learning module.
Talk to me
Maureen Whilby, Non Executive Director with Mersey Care, wants people to ask questions about black history and culture.
“I’m from a big Caribbean family, so Black History Month is an important way for people like me to come together positively and safely, to share stories and talk about raising up changes we feel need to happen.
I see light
Justine Nakimulias Freedom to Speak Up Guardian and Cultural Sensitivity Lead for Equality and Diversity, Justine feels Black History Month ensures we never forget black culture through time.
Talking about this generation
Last year marked the 75th anniversary of windrush and the founding of the NHS. Read our MC Magazine.
The History Girls
"Their story may be 75 years old – but it will live on forever" says Garrick Prayogg in our MC Magazine.
Don't see my colour...see me
Solomon Gwatidzo is a national award winning forensic community nurse. He talks openly about what Black History Month means to him. Read in our MC Magazine.
It's up to you
It’s important to celebrate the contribution made by black people in the past and now. Check out one of our previous editions of our MC Magazine.
All rise
"People don’t expect you to stand up for yourself, but I did and I’m proud of it" shares FKA Twigs, the first black female and youngest ever winner of the NME's 'Godlike Genius' award. Read today in our MC Magazine.
