NHS staff join series of talks to mark Black History Month

Around 50 NHS staff in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have taken up the opportunity to learn more about the experiences of Black and Black British people through an October programme of thought-provoking, inspiring and informative discussions held to mark Black History Month.

Popular Luton pastor, Rev Lloyd Denny – who gives his name to the pioneering report on health inequalities published last year by the region’s integrated care board, following a wide-ranging review he chaired into the experiences of marginalised groups of patients – was the latest in a series of speakers to take centre-stage at a talk entitled ‘Rewriting the Narrative’ earlier today.

In their talk, Rev Denny and his co-presenter, Dr Trevor W Adams, issued a call to challenge stereotypes, celebrate underrepresented voices, and foster more inclusive conversations about Black history and identity.  Dr Adams is also a well-known face in the Luton area, having been involved in work to tackle inequity and inequality in the town for over 20 years, through social action projects and partnerships.

Rev Denny said:

“It was a pleasure to bring this year’s Black History Month to a close at the integrated care board, speaking on a subject which matters so much.  Representation is always important, and Dr Adams and I have enjoyed sharing our perspectives with a very eager, attentive audience which is always keen to do more to reduce the health inequalities which under-represented communities face.”

Felicity Cox, chief executive officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“It’s been a privilege to join some of the talks in this year’s Black History Month programme, in particular to celebrate the remarkable impact of Black communities in our health and care services.

“I’m delighted that so many staff have taken the opportunity to learn more during Black History Month.  A greater understanding of the challenges which some of our communities face can only improve the service we are able to offer them, and I look forward to hearing the reflections of our workforce who have taken part.”

Other speakers this month have included Felitta Burney-Nicol, the ICB’s chief midwife; Jabu Chikore, mental health lead nurse at University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; and Tracey McCormick, associate director for midwifery at the Nursing and Midwifery Council.  They all described career experiences and the differing journeys they had taken to reach their current senior roles.