Black History Month 2022

Throughout the month of October, we are looking forward to celebrating Black History Month. The month focuses on recognising the contribution people with African and Caribbean heritage have had to British society. This year’s theme is Time for change: Actions not Words and the need for allyship. During the month there will be opportunities to learn more and talk about how we can take action to make positive change.

If you’d like to get in touch about anything, please email us at plh-tr.equalitydiversityandinclusion@nhs.net

 

"Time for Change: Action Not Words.’ To get to a better tomorrow, we can’t just focus on the past.

“The past is in the past. We can acknowledge and learn from it, but to improve the future, we need action, not words. We need to come together around a shared common goal to achieve a better world for everyone.” – Black History Month, 2022

For more information about this year’s theme, please visit this link: Our theme for Black History Month 2022 is Time for Change: Action Not Words. - Black History Month 2022

 

Black History in the NHS

“Without their input, it is likely that the NHS would not have survived, failing before it really had time to be established.” Learn more about the incredible impact that Black nurses have had on the NHS since it’s inception from the following links:

You Called and We Came: Remembering Nurses of the Windrush Generation - Black History Month 2022

Caribbean Women and the NHS - Black History Month 2022

Answering the Call: Our NHS Commonwealth Nurses Stories from the Commonwealth: nurses in the NHS - Black History Month 2022

 

Coaching for NHS staff from ethnic minority backgrounds

NHS England » Support for our diverse colleagues

The Looking After You Too coaching service, for colleagues from ethnic minority backgrounds, provides a one-to-one support offer. The coaching service is provided by trained coaches from ethnic minority backgrounds who will help you develop practical strategies to manage and maintain your health and wellbeing. LAYT coaching is confidential and free. No details are shared with employers and the coaches are external to the NHS. It can provide you with a safe and judgement-free space to deal with difficult conversations and build resilience.

Head here to Book a coaching session (leadershipacademy.nhs.uk)

 

Black History Month 2021

For 2021, in honour of Black History Month and for those who have suffered from the pandemic, we asked colleagues from all areas of our Trust to nominate an ethnically diverse colleague, or ally, who has impacted them in a positive, meaningful and memorable way, or has done something they feel deserves recognition.

We really wanted to bring forward those who are championing the values of being a great colleague and making a difference in the workplace.

Back to the list

Black History Month 2021 Nominees- Week 4

Black History Month 2021 Nominees- Week 4

Merris Longstaff, Nurse at Minor Injuries

Merris has worked well over 30 years for the N.H.S . She is very kind to patients and staff, having excellant communcation skills written or orally. Nothing is too much trouble for her and she is a diamond who lights up the whole area with her smile and her knowledge.
She is very talented and very well loved by all staff members of the U.T.C/ minor injuries here at the Cumberland Devonport. 

 

Thank-you, Merris.

 

WM William Mukonoweshuro, Consultant Neuroradiologist 

I would like to nominate William Mukonoweshuro. He is an exceptionally hardworking and dedicated neuroradiology consultant who has spearheaded the introduction of thrombectomy for acute stroke at this hospital. This procedure is one of the most effective interventions of all therapies in the whole of medicine, and stroke is the second commonest global cause of death, so this is a really important therapeutic area.

He initially, with another fantastic colleague Will Adams (now retired but who would deserve similar acknowledgement), did an “ghost” rota on a 1 in 2 basis (in addition to their usual on-call) to help get this treatment off the ground. 

William continues to work ceaselessly to expand the service, and to ensure all patients regardless of where they live in the South West can access the therapy. Now over 50% of all patients are coming from other trusts, and we offer equitable care across the peninsula. 

It is important to realise that removal of a blood clot from an artery within the brain is a complex and time critical intervention which can carry significant risk. It consequently requires a high level of skill, expertise and bravery to undertake. Medicine is a team game, and this treatment is now delivered by a group of excellent neuroradiologists, anaesthetists, radiographers, nurses, technicians and other clinical and non-clinical staff. 

Nonetheless it is notable that William has consistently advocated and developed this service for well over a decade. He has led from the front, and done so with a good humour that has encouraged and motivated others. I therefore think he is a good role model and his dedication and professionalism deserves particular recognition. 

Thank-you, William.

 

Kyeiyanne James, Associate Practitioner 

Kyeiyanne James Kyeiyanne is our first BAME network chair. She set up the network and has engaged staff from all staff groups within the hospital, the Medical School, Plymouth University and beyond. Kyeiyanne's passion and dedication to the role, coupled with her authentic approach, honesty and ability to navigate through some very difficult and sensitive issues whilst still remaining true to herself and her beliefs have been truly inspiring.

I would like to thank Kyeiyanne and expression my sincere appreciation for her hard work, dedication and committment. 

Thank-you, Kyeiyanne.

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