This year, the theme for the wider RCN celebrations is ‘Anti-racism: Health, Wellbeing and Justice’, and the South East focused its celebrations on international nurses, under the banner ‘See Me, Hear Me, Respect Me’.
60,000 members from across the region were invited to nominate colleagues who had made a real difference in the delivery of healthcare for the ‘Making a Difference Awards’.
The first winner was Emmanuel Asimah, a Staff Nurse in Acute and Urgent Care at Hampshire Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust.
Emmanuel was nominated for being an outstanding leader and mentor, supporting international nurses through his role as International Nurse Ambassador in his workplace. Also commended were his dedication, care and compassion to his patients, and his commitment to his colleagues through his RCN roles in his local branch and as a steward.
On receiving his award, Emmanuel said: “It is a great honour today to be recognised for the hard work which fellow RCN reps like me put in place to make sure our members are given the necessary support and encouragement they need, especially in the case of international nurses. I believe everyone deserves better and should be given the opportunity to influence positive change in their own lives and those around them, and that has been my goal.”
The second winner was Hilton Vera, Regional Hospital Director at Elysium Healthcare.
Hilton was nominated for being a mentor and role model, and a perfect example of the saying ‘we rise by lifting others’. His coaching and mentorship for those new to his organisation was described as exceptional and he was also praised particularly for his empathy and understanding for how difficult it is for overseas nurses to leave their family and friends back home.
On receiving his award, Hilton said: "I'm very honoured and humbled to have been nominated for this award. Our internationally educated nurse colleagues are a great resource for our health service and should be given every support to settle and adapt in a new country and environment.”
The awards were given out to the winners during the South East Black History Month event, which was held on 13 October. It was a celebration of international nurses in the region and included sessions delivered by respected speakers from local trusts, the NMC and local international nurses.
The awards criteria were to nominate someone who works in the South East Region who:
- is from a black, Asian and minority ethnic background, and/or may work with black, Asian and minority ethnic communities
- is an ally who promotes the work of and supports black, Asian and minority ethnic background communities in the course of their work for example through mentorship or coaching
- is an ally who stands up against racial injustices and is known to actively call out inequalities and discrimination
- is an individual who leads by example not just words
- works in a nursing role across bands 2 upwards, or role equivalent
- is key to the future of nursing (locally and/or nationally)
