St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating the achievements of its Black staff and hosting a series events and activities throughout October to mark Black History Month.
The Trust’s Black Asian and Minority Ethnic staff network – led by Chair, Reverend Pauline Dawkins – and the hospital charity have teamed up to create a month-long celebration which kick started with African drummers performing outside the Grosvenor and Atkinson Morley wing entrances of St George’s Hospital on Friday (1 October).
Chief Executive, Jacqueline Totterdell, and Chairman, Gillian Norton, have written to everyone working at the hospital reaffirming their commitment to create an inclusive culture at St George’s where all staff can ‘thrive and deliver outstanding care every time’.
Almost half – 48 per cent – of St George’s workforce are Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) with 17 per cent of staff are Black – something the Trust is proud of.
Jacqueline said: “Black History Month is a time for continued action to tackle racism and inequality as well as a time to celebrate achievements of Black people.
“Like many organisations, St George’s was forced to take a long hard look at itself following the death of George Floyd last year. This much needed review was guided by many of our staff sharing their realities of what it feels like to work at George’s, particularly when from a minority or marginalised group. Their feedback is helping to change the way we work.”
There is a wide range of events and activities planned throughout the month including virtual talks with guest speakers such as Levi Roots, free staff massages and a Black History Month quiz for St George’s staff to take part in too. These events, plus profiles of Black members of staff highlighting what Black History Month means to them, will be promoted through St George’s social and internal channels.
Gifty Sampson, Executive Assistant to Chief People Officer and Director of Culture and Organisational Development, said: “Black History Month is very important as it is a way for us to remember how far we have come and acknowledge the struggles our ancestors went through to create the opportunities we have today.
She added: “Thinking about the contributions Black members of the community have made in the past and present reminds me that nothing is impossible. You have to champion the change you want to see and help inspire the younger generations that any dream is possible. One day the younger generations will read about us, so we should think about the legacy we will leave behind for our families, friends and society as a whole.”
St George’s is recruiting in clinical and non-clinical roles and welcomes all applicants. For more information on current vacancies, please visit: http://jobs.stgeorges.nhs.uk/
