Exceptional nurses and midwives recognised at the 2012 Mary Seacole Awards
Published: 17 October 2012
Six nurses, midwives and health visitors were recognised on Tuesday (16 October) for their contribution to black and ethnic minority (BME) communities in an awards ceremony hosted by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and others.
The winners of the Mary Seacole Leadership and Development Awards were announced at a ceremony held at the UNISON headquarters in London attended by Health Minister, Dr Dan Poulter MP, employers and trade union representatives.
The winners, from a wide range of disciplines in the nursing and midwifery workforce, have all received recognition for projects as diverse as improving clinical engagement and outcomes for BME individuals with mental health problems and a pilot study of Hepatitis C among Eastern European Migrant workers in Lincolnshire, to improving sexual health outcomes for vulnerable under 18 year olds in BME groups.
Created in 1994 in honour of Mary Seacole, the awards mark her significant contribution to nursing in the 19th century, notably her treatment of wounded British soldiers during the Crimean War.
The awards provide winners with the opportunity to undertake a year-long project to benefit the health needs of people from BME communities. There are two award programmes: The Mary Seacole Leadership Awards, which are up to £12,500 each; and the Mary Seacole Development Awards, up to £6,250.
The RCN working in partnership with the Department of Health, NHS Employers, UNISON, the Royal College of Midwives and Unite, jointly fund the awards programme.
Dr Peter Carter, RCN Chief Executive and General Secretary, said:
“These projects demonstrate the dedication of nurses around the country and will have a greatly positive impact on the lives of BME patients.
“Mary Seacole continues to be an inspiration to nurses today and the achievements of these award winners are certainly a worthy continuation of her legacy.
“During challenging times it is more important than ever to strive for excellence, which is what Mary Seacole did during her work in the Crimean War, and these winners provide a great example for all nurses to follow.”
Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter MP said:
"Nurses and midwives have some of the most demanding and important roles in the NHS, commanding our respect and support.
"As a doctor, I have had first hand experience of the direct impact that they have on patients and it is a testament to the NHS that nurses and midwives are still showing the same sort of drive and determination as Mary Seacole did.
"She is an enduring role model and these awards demonstrate that we have a new generation of exemplary role models who are driven to improve practice and give intelligent and compassionate care."
Dean Royles, director of the NHS Employers organisation, said:
"Like Mary Seacole herself, these winners really do inspire a generation to be positive about diversity and to approach it in new ways.
"The NHS has made really good progress in supporting diversity. But it is very important to get this right and we will never stop trying to be creative in making sure everyone counts.
"Sharing the knowledge of staff who are skilled at promoting equality benefits us all especially our patients, who receive the best care from a diverse talented workforce.
"Employers recognise the importance of supporting all staff, regardless of their background, making sure we maximise their talents and contribution to patient care."
Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, said:
“I am really proud of what these nurses, midwives and health visitors achieved, and moreso that they’ve done it at a time of real financial hardship for the NHS.
“Like Mary Seacole, for whom these awards are named, NHS staff stand strong in the face of adversity, and it is important that we recognise today not only the huge achievements of the winners – but the contribution of the profession as a whole.
“October is Black History month, during which we celebrate the achievements of black Britons across generations. Health staff make a vital contribution to improving the lives of BME patients – proof that the legacy of Mary Seacole lives on.”
Unite Lead Professional Officer, Obi Amadi said:
“With the current pressures staff are facing as resources decline, we all should be immensely proud that these exceptional people can be honoured for their contribution towards improving the lives of our populations. They embody what the Mary Seacole Awards are all about.
“Today’s winners are a tribute to the dedication of all the hard work that all health professionals carry out in the NHS. Their magnificent efforts have extra merit given the sacrifice they make to live up to the ideals and the hands on practicality of Mary Seacole.
“I continue to be inspired by their innovation and am privileged to be a part of the Mary Seacole experience.”
Cathy Warwick, chief executive of the Royal College of Midwives, said:
“The Mary Seacole Awards have been an incredible springboard for promoting innovation and diversity and helped nurture our future leaders. Mary Seacole would have been proud of today’s nurses, midwives and health visitors.”
Mary Seacole Leadership and Development Awardees 2012/2013
Mary Seacole Leadership Awards
Dr Gloria Likupe, Lecturer, Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Hull.
Project: “Developing a communication model for ethnic minority elders and health care workers”.
Mrs Fiona McGregor, Sexual and reproductive health research nurse/honorary research associate for women’s health, UCL, Central and North West London Foundation Trust.
Project: “Developing a policy based on NICE to improve sexual health outcomes for vulnerable under 18 year old BME groups in a community reproductive sexual health service”.Mrs Fiona McGregor, Sexual and reproductive health research nurse/honorary research associate for women’s health, UCL, Central and North West London Foundation Trust.
Mary Seacole Development Awards
Desiree Campbell-Richards, Diabetes Research Nurse, Barts Health NHS Trust, London
Project: An exploration of factors influencing diabetes outpatient attendance amongst Bengali, Pakistani and African patients in an Inner London Borough
Kelly Hylton, Gateway Worker (Registered Mental Nurse), Six Degrees Social Enterprise CIC, Salford.
Project: Improving clinical engagement and outcomes for BME communities experiencing common mental health problems in primary care using an approach called Take Control”
Anita John, Practice Development Matron, Head and Neck Directorate, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
Project: Understand the barriers and incentives to diabetic retinopathy screening among South Asian population in Nottinghamshire
Olwyn Lidster, Community Psychiatric nurse – substance misuse services, Bradford District Care Trust.
Project: Improving health outcomes for Gypsy and Traveller communities
Mary Seacole Award Winners to be presented 16th October 2012
Mary Seacole Leadership Awards
Sarah Amani, Youth Mental Health Network Lead for NHS South of England (East) and Team Manager, NE Hants & Surrey Heath Early Intervention in Psychosis Team
Project “REACH OUT Project – Exploring the factors affecting access to mental health for the Nepalese community in Rushmoor, NE Hampshire”
Marsha Jones, Clinical Lead-Maternity Inpatients, Barts Health, Newham University Hospital
Project “Improving Postnatal Care and Experience in Hospital for Black and South Asian women by exploring health care workers capabilities”
Mary Seacole Development Awards
Grahame Fraser, Specialist Practitioner District Nurse, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust
Project: “The identification of perceptions that influence blood pressure monitoring and management for young Black Caribbean Seven Day Adventist congregants”
Val Freestone, Community Psychiatric Nurse, Milton Keynes PCT
Project: “Raising Awareness of Milton Keynes Dementia Service’s Within The BME communities”
Karen Murray, Hepatitis C Nurse Specialist, Lincoln County Hospital
Project: “Pilot Study: Hepatitis C and Eastern European Migrant Workers in a Rural County”
Nana Quawson, School Health Advisor, Barts Health, Community Health Services
Project: “Health & Well-Being In The Family”