Six exceptional nurses, midwives and health visitors were today (25 October)
recognised for their contribution to black and ethnic minority (BME)
communities with Mary Seacole Leadership and Development Awards.
The winners were announced at a ceremony held at the UNISON headquarters
in London, attended by Anne Milton MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of
State for Public Health.
The awards were created in 1994 in honour of Mary Seacole, who made a
significant contribution to nursing in the 19th century, including caring for
wounded British soldiers during the Crimean War.
The awards are jointly funded by the Department of Health and NHS
Employers, who work in partnership with UNISON, the Royal College of
Nursing, Royal College of Midwives and Unite. The winners of the two
leadership awards receive a bursary of £12,500, and the four development
award winners, £6,250, allowing them to undertake a year-long project to
benefit the health needs of people from BME communities.
Public Health Minister Anne Milton said:
150 years after Mary Seacole made her contribution to nursing, today we
witness the same courage, dedication and compassion in the profession.
The nurses we are recognising today have shown that same dedication,
sometimes courage, but always compassion.
“These awards have a long standing history of recognising and encouraging
future leaders in the NHS. That’s what we want to see – putting patients first
and showing by example what can be achieved – congratulations to all the
award winners.
Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, said:
I am immensely proud of what these nurses, midwives and health visitors have
achieved at a time of real financial hardship in the NHS. Staff are standing
strong and forceful, just as Mary Seacole did. It is important to recognise not
just the outstanding contribution of these individuals, but of the profession as
a whole.
It’s fitting that the awards are taking place in the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson
building, founded by the first British female doctor who, like Mary, overcame
adversity.
October is Black History month, which celebrates the achievements of black
Britons throughout the decades. Health staff make a vital contribution to
improving the lives of black and ethnic minority patients – showing that the
legacy of Mary Seacole lives on.
Janet Davies, RCN Executive Director for Nursing and Service Delivery, said:
Mary Seacole is rightly revered as one of the most inspirational nursing
figures the world has known; she not only delivered patient care on the
battlefield but broke down barriers for both women and members from black
and minority ethnic groups. She is a true nursing icon and these awards are a
fitting testimony to her. The award recipients should be very proud of their
achievements and the difference they have made to the lives of people from
BME communities.
Unite Lead Professional Officer, Obi Amadi said:
The high quality of the six award winners is a true tribute to those working
for the health service and the inspiring memory of Mary Seacole. Our
colleagues are facing a time of cuts and austerity in the public sector, making
the innovation and hard work of those receiving the Mary Seacole award a
great example of the public service ethos and the dedication shown by those
who work within the sector.
Louise Silverton, RCM Deputy General Secretary, said:
The Mary Seacole Awards have been ground-breaking in improving care for
BME communities. They have enabled winners to showcase their talent and
develop innovative midwifery and nursing leadership skills by improving
safety, the service users experience and clinical effectiveness in midwifery and
nursing practice and service delivery. They have been a great springboard for
innovation.
The new 2011 award winners: Mary Seacole Leadership Awards
Marsha Jones
Project: Improving the postnatal care and experience for black and Asian
women by exploring cultural competency and capabilities of health care
workers at Newham hospital
Sarah Amani
Project: Recovery and community hope open, understanding and tactful reach
out project
Mary Seacole Development Awards
Sonia Wijesundare
Project: Increase accessibility and improve health outcomes for Arabic
population with type 2 diabetes in north Kensington through structured
education
Valerie Freestone
Project: Raising awareness of Milton Keynes dementia services with BME
communities
Grahame Fraser
Project: Applying Q methodological analysis to BP screening and
management: the identification of subjective perceptions that influence blood
pressure monitoring for young black Caribbean congregants.
Karen Murray
Project: Pilot study Hepatits C BME communities in a rural setting
The following are the 2010 winners who have successfully completed their
projects and were presented with their award certificates by Anne Milton MP,
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health.
Mary Seacole Leadership Awards
Esther Craddock, Education & Training Adviser, South London & Maudsley
NHS Foundation Trust.
Project: Enhancing the Mental Health Carers contribution to Healing
