Wednesday 22nd June is National Windrush Day when we celebrate the outstanding contribution of Caribbean people to the UK, making the NHS what it is to this day.
The ship ‘Empire Windrush’ arrived in the UK from Jamaica in June 1948, bringing the first wave of Caribbean migrants who had responded to an invitation to fill labour shortages and support the post war efforts to restore Britain.
The NHS, which was also established in 1948, became a major employer of the new arrivals.
In 2018 a national day was established to recognise the enormous contribution of this generation both then and now, and to commemorate and honour the enormous sacrifice and efforts of those who made that first journey to Britain.
People of Caribbean heritage continue to make up a significant proportion of today’s workforce and their legacy is firmly rooted in the NHS. We celebrate and give thanks to our many colleagues who are descendants from the Windrush Generation.
Tim Brown, Diversity and Inclusion Practitioner at Lancashire Teaching Hospital, said: "The Windrush Generation have left an incredible positive legacy of diversity in the NHS.
"Here at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, we're proud to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of the local community that we serve. We employ committed, highly skilled workers from a wide range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
“Our workforce is integral to achieving our vision of providing Excellent Care with Compassion.”
