Windrush Day - Message from Acting CEO, David Melbourne
Today (Monday 22 June 2020) marks the 72nd anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush, a vessel carrying migrants from the Caribbean who came to start a new life here in the UK.
This year also marks the 72nd birthday of the NHS, our amazing institution that has benefitted so greatly from the contribution of many from the Windrush generation and which continues to benefit from the vast array of skills and expertise that colleagues from a variety of backgrounds have brought.
In recent weeks we have seen tragic actions met with a strong stance of solidarity for those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds so it is only right that this year, in particular, Windrush Day is not only a day to celebrate the contributions of our colleagues, but to reflect on how far we have come and what we now need to do to ensure we actively tackle racism and discrimination both in our organisation and in our communities.
Here at BWC, we are very proud of the diversity of our staff and the legacy that those who have cared for our women, children and families over the decades with compassion and dedication have gifted us, and we want to do all we can to make every single person feel valued and cared for in return.
For me, inclusion is vital. Through inclusivity we can care better for the communities we serve, we can learn from each other helping us achieve truly world-class care and it promotes a happier, healthier culture for us all to work and live.
There are many ways in which we are trying to break down barriers, open up conversation, educate each other and be more inclusive and have shared resources with our staff to put this into action.