Black History Month has been celebrated every October in the UK for over 35 years. It’s a nationwide celebration of black history, arts and culture throughout Britain and an acknowledgement and celebration of diversity and the richness it brings to our society. The celebration embraces the massive difference which diversity has made to our lives.
Why are we doing this?
Progressive employers recognise that being forward-thinking on equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace makes sense. They recognise that employees from different backgrounds bring unique knowledge, skills and experience to their businesses. For the first time ever, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT) and University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) are working in partnership to celebrate our diverse workforce and the contribution this offers to both trusts.
What are we doing?
To mark this occasion we have put together a display of life stories taken from our own black and minority ethnic (BME) staff, from all levels throughout the Trust, which tell their stories of working in the NHS. In addition, HEFT is working in partnership with UHB to co-host a free Black History Month conference for all staff and patients. The event will explore the clinical and cultural issues that particularly affect BME staff across both Trusts and the opportunities to create an inclusive environment for all to work. You will hear from inspirational speakers, including BME staff from both Trusts and have an opportunity to talk to experts in their field on current key issues, such as the effects of unconscious bias.
The conference is on Thursday 20 October at 9am until 12 midday in the Lecture Theatre at Heartlands Hospital, and repeated on, Tuesday 25 October at 9am until 12 midday in the Lecture Theatre at University Hospitals Birmingham and all staff and patients are welcome to attend. For more information please email: staffengagement@heartofengland.nhs.uk
Click on the names below to find out about some of our staff stories.
Byron Batten, Senior Communications Officer
Deji Okubadejo, Consultant Anaesthetist and Associate Medical Director
Rachel Chitima, Matron theatres, day surgery, pre-operative clinic and surgical admissions lounge
Dr Govindan Raghuraman, Divisional Director and Consultant in Critical Care
Riaz Janjua, Head of Equality and Diversity
Dr Richard Mupanemunda, Consultant in Neonatology
Dr Roopa Mulik, Consultant Paediatrician
Veronica Morgan, Trust Governor and Convener/Midwife
