Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Ruth Wall awarded Florence Nightingale Scholar
We want to congratulate Ruth Wall, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at our Trust, for being named “Florence Nightingale Scholar” after participating in their unique leadership programme.
Ruth Wall took part in the Florence Nightingale Windrush Leadership Programme for Nurses and Midwives. The well-renowned programme is for Nurses who are either descendants from the Windrush generation or from a diverse background working in the NHS in England.
Ruth Wall has worked within the Trust for 16 years, starting as an Intensive Care Nurse, before eventually becoming Manager of our Ocean Ward, supporting children and young people requiring long term ventilation. During her time as Ward Manager, she was encouraged by a manager to take part in the course.
Ruth said: “I heard about the programme through one of my managers in medicine. She told me I would be great for the course. She believed in me and said she would be my sponsor and support me with whatever I needed.”
There are only 70 places on offer for the course across the country. After Ruth and her Medicine Manager submitted their applications, Ruth was delighted to hear she had been accepted.
Ruth continued: “The programme has had a huge impact on me, developing not only my leadership skills but my confidence as well. It was the first time I had been in a room with 70 people who looked like me. I’ve never been on training where everyone around me looked similar to me. It was really impactful; it felt so positive and promising.”
Ruth added: “The course opened up a different way of thinking. Meeting 70 people from around the country from different cultures, religions, genders and job roles and hearing each of their experiences was really inspiring and taught us all so much.”
The course’s closing ceremony was held at the Florence Nightingale Memorial, where Ruth was officially named a Florence Nightingale Scholar.
“I not only gained new skills but a network of inspiring people who continue to support one another, both in their professional and personal life, celebrating achievements and helping one another through tough times,” said Ruth
Following completing the course, Ruth became more involved in Inclusion and Diversity at our Trust. She became our Inclusion Ambassador in January in 2020 and recently became our Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
To conclude Ruth said: “Equality, Diversity and Inclusion really is the golden thread that should run through all we do for our patients, families and staff members. Our aim is to enable everyone to bring their whole selves into Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. We look after our staff and make it a happy, inclusive environment.”
To find out more about the Windrush Leadership programme, visit: https://florence-nightingale-foundation.org.uk/leadership-programme/windrush-nurses-and-midwives-leadership-programme-2022/