“Windrush Day is a reminder that the NHS is still dependent on overseas workers”
Dionne Daniel, Director of Nursing - Fundamentals of Care at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals, explains what Windrush means to her.
As we celebrate the 76th anniversary of the Windrush generation arriving in the UK, I will reflect on the experience of my dear Aunt Yvonne.
My aunt was part of the Windrush generation who came from the Caribbean to work in the NHS as a nurse, though she was trained in both nursing and midwifery.
Over the years, she’s shared with me some of her experiences including patients refusing to be cared by her and racially abusing her, as well as when she bought her house, as the first Black person on the street, people in the area moved away.
Sadly some of the stories she has told me, I still hear the same from new starters in the NHS.
But she also has fond memories including of Caribbean people coming together for parties and supporting each other through difficult times. When she wasn't working in the NHS, was very much involved with her local church and community.
My aunt served in the NHS for several years and raised her family in the UK, and is now enjoying time with her grand and great-grandchildren.
When the call was made in 1948 for people from Commonwealth countries to come to the UK and support the NHS, there were 50,000 plus vacancies.
There are still huge vacancies today and we are dependent on international nurses to work for the NHS.
As we remember those who came here many years ago, it is encouraging to see initiatives – such as Ask Aunty – to support those health care professionals who are still coming to work in the NHS.
I wish we had Ask Aunty when I came to the UK in the 1990s.
My aunt and her generation made a very positive contribution to the NHS and society, and I hope that we never forget this.
St George’s, Epsom, and St Helier hospitals has launched a groundbreaking app which offers support to international workers coming to work for us.
‘Ask Aunty’ pairs newly arrived staff from overseas with a colleague who can help them settle into life in the UK.
We’re seeking staff from band 7 and above to become Ask Aunty mentors.
For more information visit https://www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/ask-aunty-programme
