Recognising roles
Black History Month celebrates the achievements and contributions people of African and Caribbean heritage have made to Britain's economy, culture, and history.
Inspiring inclusion
We are proud to recognise the key role black and ethnic minority colleagues play. Not just during Black History Month, but every day.
Their role in our NHS dates back to 1948. This was the year that saw the birth of the NHS. It was also the year over 1,000 people from the West Indies arrived in the UK on board HMT Empire Windrush.
In the early days of the health service, black and ethnic minority colleagues did not always have an easy journey. They were not always welcome. Many were faced with racism, discrimination, and public outcry.
Today, those colleagues make up almost a quarter of the NHS workforce as a whole. They also make up 42% of medical staff.
Message from our chief executive
Over the last few years, the landscape in Cornwall has changed. We have seen a rise in the number of internationally recruited healthcare professionals. The Trust is working hard to retain those staff and ensure they have a good experience of working in Cornwall.
"We have worked really hard over recent years to attract a more globally educated workforce. As a Board, we are very committed to making the Trust a great place to work for everyone. Where every single person counts and where we ensure that every single person is welcomed.
"We do know that if you come from a minority or if you have protected characteristics, we need to do so much more to make you feel welcome, as well as to support and encourage you to thrive, to be developed, and to develop yourself in our Trust."
Debbie Richards, Chief Executive
Celebrations
The theme for Black History Month 2024 was 'reclaiming narratives'. Across the month and beyond, colleagues from our Trust and Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust joined each other for a series of online events. The themes included reclaiming narratives in nursing and midwifery; understanding race and racism; and race and health inequalities.
We heard from a range of colleagues and guest speakers. Among them were equity, diversion and inclusion leads from both acute and mental health trusts.
The theme of Black History Month 2023 was 'saluting our sisters'. We wanted to recognise the talent and achievements of our female ethnic minority colleagues who are senior leaders. Visibility in leadership and senior roles can speed up our ability to provide equitable access to care and innovation.
We are proud to showcase the stories of those who now call Cornwall home, as their NHS careers continue to thrive. We hope these will inspire, attract, grow, and retain staff as we continue our work to become more inclusive.
Fact files
Natasha Beale, Community Matron
Natasha Beale is the community matron for Arbennack Primary Care Network.
Where did you do your training?
Plymouth University.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted a job like yours?
Never stop learning and always be kind!
What advice do you have about moving to Cornwall?
Cornwall is an amazing and beautiful place to live with lots of opportunities for those with career aspirations. Say yes to everything!
Rash Hamdan, Senior Infection Prevention and Control Nurse Specialist
Rashima ("Rash") Hamdan is a senior infection prevention and control nurse specialist for the Trust.
Where did you do your training?
The Philippines.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted a job like yours?
Nursing is highly rewarding and a satisfying career. It is a job where you can make a difference in people's lives. It is ever evolving, so plenty of opportunities for growth and development.
If helping and serving others brings happiness and satisfaction to you, then this may be the career for you. If you are considering this, then start by doing volunteer work in healthcare or speak to nurses of different backgrounds and specialties to hear their stories and experiences.
What advice do you have about moving to Cornwall?
Living in Cornwall is a privilege. People spend loads to go on holiday here, so Living in Cornwall is a privilege. People spend loads to go on holiday here, so you are very lucky if you are already living and working here. Drive! (I only learnt to drive here!) There are lots of places to discover. It will make a difference if you are able to explore these beautiful places.
Cynthia Onyancha, Staff Nurse
Cynthia Onyancha is a staff nurse for the Trust.
Where did you do your training?
Moi University, Kenya.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted a job like yours?
Although it can be a demanding job, nursing is a rewarding one, being there for our patients in their time of greatest need. Remember to be kind, they may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
What advice do you have for anyone thinking of moving to Cornwall?
Cornwall has beautiful countryside, slower and gentler compared to other cities with rich history. However, prior to relocating to Cornwall, think about arranging transport. It is the main challenge in Cornwall.
Inspiring Inclusion podcasts
Throughout 2024, we produced a series of podcasts under the theme of 'Inspiring Inclusion'. They featured Debbie Richards, Chief Executive and Charity Gladstone, Ethnic Minorities Employee Network Group.
Black History Month was among the range of topics covered in the podcasts. Others included how we can improve the experience of internationally recruited colleagues and our anti-racism statement. Debbie and Charity also reflected on the appalling riots across the UK in summer 2024. They discussed how we stand in solidarity to better support our diverse workforce.