UHDB marks 75th anniversary of Windrush
Today marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMS Empire Windrush. Those on board were the first of many to arrive in the UK from the Caribbean, in what has become known as the Windrush Generation. These individuals arrived seeking new opportunities in a country that was in need of workers to rebuild following the devastation of World War II.
The NHS was founded 75 years ago in 1948, the same year as the arrival of the Windrush Generation, and the two are intrinsically linked. Many individuals from the Caribbean and their descendants have worked in the NHS, providing essential care and support to patients across the country.
From doctors and nurses to support staff, the contribution of these individuals is immeasurable, and we want to recognise and thank the Windrush Generation and those descended from them for all they have done - both here, at what has become UHDB, and across the NHS nationally.
As we mark this momentous anniversary year, we've heard from two UHDB colleagues about their connections to Windrush and how their relatives 'answered the call' to those across the Commonwealth to come to the UK.
Sharon Moulton - Head of Private Patient Services
Sharon's parents both came to the UK a few years after HMS Windrush, from Jamaica, when they were in their early 20s. Whilst they travelled separately, they met in the UK after settling initially in Birmingham.
Her mother later worked for the NHS as a nurse at what was called 'The Manor Hospital', which later became Derby Royal Infirmary and of course, Royal Derby Hospital - while her father worked for British Celanese, at their factory in Spondon. As well as this, Sharon's mother-in-law was also part of this vital generation and worked in the NHS.
Reflecting on her parents and relatives sacrificing so much to travel across the Atlantic to work in the UK in challenging circumstances, Sharon said:
"My parents, like the Windrush Generation as a whole, they had such a strong work ethic. If they had a job to do, they did it properly - doing whatever was required, and never half-heartedly. I remember being young seeing my parents almost 'relay' in and out the house to support our family - when Dad arrived home, Mum would go to work, and vice versa.
"They had a sense of duty - and so many fulfilled that sense of duty here in the NHS. Despite, for many years, many struggling to feel accepted in this society that they worked so hard for."
Reflecting on the legacy of the Windrush Generation, Sharon said that they were trailblazers for those coming to the UK from across the world.
"They are rightly held up as role models, because they opened up doors for others to follow - not just in the NHS, but across Britain. Despite so many challenges, some of which continuing to this day, I always remember what my mother said: "When you fall and you're put down, you get back up and fight again" and that if you want to succeed in life, you have to keep going.
"We were always taught in my family, and by that generation, that we have to aim high to succeed - a guiding principle for anyone, no matter where they're from, working in the NHS and delivering the best possible care to patients in the communities we serve."
Delisha-Joy Ruskin - Community Dietitian, Florence Nightingale Community Hospital
Sharing her story in her own words, Delisha-Joy told us about her grandparents' journey from Jamaica to the UK:
"75 years ago, on this day, is the day that people from the West Indies started to arrive to England to “help the Motherland”. This was the unique selling point that resounded up and down the Islands of the Caribbean when people were asked to fill job vacancies in the UK.
“Britain was in a post war stage of recovery and work was a plenty, but as the saying goes, the workers were few.
“My grandparents (both maternal and paternal) answered the call to come to England from Jamaica. This was a new chapter for our families’ lineage; and as they say, "the rest is history".
“My grandfather joined the postal service and worked as a lollipop man. My grandmother worked for British Airways. Many many years later, I Delisha-Joy Ruskin work as a Community Dietitian, my brother is a graphic designer and my sister is a teacher.
“Jamaica has a special and significant place in our family’s identity and we often speak to our family members there.
"Windrush is a story about how directions in our life can take an unexpected turn and end up with a bright future.”
As we mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush Generation, we want to thank and recognise the contribution of all NHS staff who have connections to this important part of British history. Your hard work and dedication has made a significant impact, and we are so grateful for all you have done and continue to do. It is vital that both in the NHS and beyond, we ensure that the legacy of the Windrush Generation is always remembered and celebrated.
In celebration of this important anniversary year, our EMBRACE Staff Network is also participating in several activities in our communities, including:
- Participating in Windrush Stories Derby's Windrush 75 event at the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, held from 12.30-4pm
- Raising the Windrush Flag at the St Peter Hilton Memorial Gardens
- Joining Derbyshire County Council's Windrush Day Celebration Webinar on behalf of UHDB colleagues
- Expanding our new Cultural Menu across all of our sites for patients, ensuring that meal choices reflect the cultural diversity of our communities, including those of Caribbean heritage
- Attending a special, free church service on Sunday 25 June at 11am, located at the New Testament Church of God in Alvaston, Derbyshire.
- Organising Steel Band performances at our Royal Derby Hospital and Queen's Hospital Burton, in collaboration with Air Arts.
- Working with our UHDB Medical Museum team to publish an article remembering the Windrush Generation and reflecting on their contribution to healthcare in our communities, which you can read here >