Yesterday, I had the honour of participating in an NHS England webinar, discussing the pervasive issue of racism in healthcare, particularly under the new guiding light of the NHS guidance document ‘Combatting Racial Discrimination Against Nurses, Midwives, and Nursing Associates.’ Over 100 attendees from diverse backgrounds, including students, practice partners, and academics, gathered to lend their voices and ears to this crucial conversation. The session was led by two remarkable students, Lillian and Emma, who shared their experiences with racism in practice settings, setting the stage for a deeply impactful dialogue with an expert panel (and me!)
As Director of Diversity and Inclusion in Prodessional Practice at the University of Wolverhampton, I found myself enveloped in a mix of emotions. There was a sense of pride in being part of a collective voice against racism, yet a sobering realisation of the challenges that lay ahead. This wasn’t just another professional engagement; it was a personal journey into the heart of a systemic issue.
Racism in healthcare isn’t a new problem, but it remains a deeply entrenched and often unspoken blight. The personal stories shared during the webinar were not just anecdotes; they were a mirror reflecting the everyday realities of many in the NHS. This issue demands not just recognition but active, ongoing confrontation.
In response to the NHS’s guidance document, our University of Wolverhampton Focus Group was formed, a small but dedicated troop initially, which has since grown in both voice and diversity. We began with listening — truly listening — to the experiences of our nurses, midwives, and nursing associates. This was not just about interpretation in the context of higher education and practice but about meaningful action.
Our group has created a succinct one-page document and is in the process of developing an academic poster, both aimed at supporting and extending the guidance document’s reach. We’ve used anonymised vignettes, powerful in their truth and resonance, already shared at events such as our ‘Love Our Learners’ NHS England Midlands event. These tools are not just informational; they are a call to empathy, understanding, and action.
Pride in this context may seem paradoxical, yet it’s there. The involvement of alumni like Shahnaz underscores the ongoing nature of this struggle. It’s in every acknowledgment of the problem, in every step taken towards dismantling systemic racism. Our co-created resources are more than educational tools; they are beacons of hope and progress.
As these resources enter the design phase, ready to be shared widely, I urge each reader to not only engage with them but to become an active participant in this ongoing dialogue. Starting with the guidance document itself:
https://lnkd.in/eydj7qhh
Education, awareness, and empathy are our allies here.
Physician and Owner of 5 STAR Memories Photo Marketing
3moSo many families are all the better because of your care.