Now in their fifth year, the awards recognise nursing staff from London’s Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic community. The theme of the awards, and RCN’s Black History Month’s celebrations, this year is ‘anti-racism: striving for justice and promoting wellbeing’, and this was reflected in every single nomination.
This year’s Rising Stars have been recognised for taking their passion for justice and equality and using it to champion inclusion, to prioritise wellbeing for staff and patients, and to empower others. They work across a range of specialist areas including mental health and paediatric care, come from London and across the world, and from a range of backgrounds including a former London bus driver.
We’d like to introduce you to a some of them
Dwayne-Wilson Hunt, a Charge Nurse at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Chair of the Racially Minoritised Communities Special Interest Group at the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH),was recognised for his work in sexual health and reaching out to marginalised groups.
Dwayne-Wilson said:
“I’m delighted to be receiving the RCN Rising Star Award. It’s testament to the hard work I’ve done and the commitment I have to reduce health inequalities for racially minoritised communities within sexual health. By receiving this award I hope to inspire Black nurses, male nurses and nurses from different backgrounds to pursue their passions within nursing and healthcare, and to support and improve health provision for our patients, especially those from minoritised communities.”
Juliann Welch, a Staff Nurse at St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was nominated for being an “exemplary role model” and for her commitment to patient advocacy.
Juliann said:
“I am elated to be an RCN Rising Star. After coming to the UK last year, it’s been a real priority for me to support the wellbeing of my colleagues and other internationally recruited nurses. I also see being a voice for patients as a key part of my role and it means a lot to be recognised for the work that I am doing.”
Interim Regional Director for London Mark Farmer said:
“Our Rising Stars are role models, unafraid to challenge and speak up, who are transforming the lives of patients, their colleagues and Londoners. The winners are spearheading change that is long overdue, setting an example to health and care employers in London who must do more to tackle the racism that sadly still exists in many healthcare environments. Stamping out racism and inequality is a key priority for me and my team at RCN London. We will continue to work closely with members to call out unacceptable behaviour and promote inclusion.”
Take a look at our video celebrating the Rising Stars of 2022
