Black History Month occurs every October and at the RCN it is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution of BME nursing staff to health and social care.
South East Region’s inaugural Black History Month Conference went ahead with great success, with sessions from a number of inspirational speakers, including:
- Paulette Lewis MBE, President of the Nurses Association of Jamaica - Chairperson
- Robert Nicholls - Deputy Director of Nursing at Medway Maritime NHS Trust, who spoke about planning your goals and promoting diversity in management.
- Rajay Herkanaidu - Senior Manager at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, who spoke about his personal journey from fisherman, to asylum seeker, to refuse collector and motor labourer, to his current role as a senior manager in the NHS.
- Sophina Gapare, Vice President European PMI Operation, who talked about her career progression, leadership and development from a female perspective.
Music was provided by singer, songwriter and gospel diva Adelaide Mackenzie, accompanied by guitarist Andre Gabriel, and attendees enjoyed a free lunch of West Indian cuisine.
The region was delighted with the positive feedback from attendees.
