October is Black History Month, it is intended to celebrate the culture, history and achievements that black African and Caribbean people have brought to the UK. The cultures and traditions of the African, Asian and Caribbean communities in the UK have for many years been a central component of what it is that makes Britain unique. Black History Month was first celebrated in October 1987 in the UK, as a national celebration. The focus has expanded its scope and includes the history of African, Asian and Caribbean peoples and their contribution to British society. This year, it has particular significance.
The largest combined professional group in the NHS are nurses and midwives. One in every five are from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, this rises to 40% in some parts of the UK, for example, London (NHS England, 2020). As data on COVID-19 deaths among BAME nurses continue to emerge, it has been confirmed what had been suspected since the pandemic began: that BAME people are far more likely to get and die from coronavirus. Public Health England (PHE) (2020) has produced a long-awaited report (a rapid review of the literature) commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer for England to understand the extent to which ethnicity impacts on risk and outcomes. Seven recommendations arose, pointing to the areas where commitment, focus, and delivery at scale have the potential to make a substantial difference in improving the lives and experiences of BAME communities.
Yes, we need to celebrate the generations-long contribution that BAME nurses have made and the contributions that generations to come will make to the health and wellbeing of individuals and the making of Britain. The insights from the PHE (2020), however, make for humbling reading, as does the survey by Haque et al (2020). The unmistakable message from stakeholders was the need for tangible actions that have to be provided at scale and pace, accompanied by a commitment to challenge the unacceptable, underlying factors of inequality.
Black History Month receives critical comment with suggestions that it is patronising, justification to ignore black history for the remaining 11 months of the year, and a way to separate black history from British history. Whatever the upshot of the debates, there is value in engaging with history to understand the present and possible futures. Black nurses worked in the healthcare system way before the NHS was even thought of. The Windrush generation started to arrive in Britain not long after the founding of the NHS. However, the story of the nurses who came here before 1948 is not well known. Mary Seacole, a Jamaican nurse, is a familiar figure. Less so is Annie Brewster, who came to London as a child from St Vincent; she worked in the London Hospital and in 1888 she was promoted to nurse in charge of the ophthalmic ward. Eva Lowe, from Jamaica, came to the UK in the early 1930s seeking work. She applied to 28 hospitals to undertake her nurse training, all of them rejected her. Her training finally commenced in St Nicholas Plumstead and she registered in 1935.
Very often, the opportunities and experiences of BAME nurses do not always resemble the values on which our NHS proudly stands. Black history matters and black lives matter, for every single day of the year and not just for one month. BJN stands in unity with nurses and others around the globe as we all strive for truth, compassion and impartiality. Nurses have spoken and are continuing to speak up against violence, racism and inequality. The racial inequalities of COVID-19 are plain to see.
Here's to you Mary, Annie, Eva and the legacy that you have left us, and to all the other BAME nurses who are supporting our NHS, inspiring and leading and offering high-quality, safe and effective care.