London’s NHS celebrates inspiring Black Londoners

Anna Mbachu has been chosen to represent Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust for her work supporting people with severe and enduring mental health problems. She leads a team supporting people to find accommodation when they are discharged from the care of the Trust. As well as her NHS work, Anna is a local authority councillor and a leader within the Nigerian community.

To mark Black History Month, the NHS in London has today revealed 36 prominent individuals to be ‘the faces’ of the NHS Trusts in the capital.

An online map of the city tells the stories of the inspiring Black Londoners who have been nominated by NHS staff for their important contribution to their NHS Trust, local area or wider society.  

The list also includes Peckham born actor, John Boyega, pioneering nurse, Mary Seacole and World Youth Championship gold medal winner, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

Jinjer Kandola, CEO of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust said: “This year, Black History Month has an even greater resonance than ever – the coronavirus pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement have further highlighted the extent of social and health inequalities. 

“Providing equality of opportunity for patients, their carers and our staff is key to everything we do. We are proud to be launching an ambitious and far-reaching Inclusion Programme to make our Trust a great place to work and receive treatment.”

Janine La Rosa, Head of Equality and Inclusion for the NHS in London said: “As Londoners and members of the NHS workforce, we have a rich history that shapes our current experiences and that is something to be proud of.

“There are many stories untold which is why it’s important we hear and celebrate them together, not just for Black History Month, but all year round.”

Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard said: “Black Londoners have contributed richly to the success of our city and the NHS, so I am delighted that London’s NHS Trusts are honouring some of our best-known Black Londoners in this way.

“Black History Month offers a fantastic opportunity to discover new perspectives on our past and learn more about the Black people, from all backgrounds and walks of life, who’ve helped shape so many elements of our collective history.”

Earlier this month, London’s NHS published a new Workforce Race Strategy to improve the experiences of black and minority ethnic (BME) workers in the capital. The strategy, developed in partnership with NHS staff from across all levels, roles and professions, outlines 15 evidence-based recommendations to be implemented over a span of 10 years.

Black History Month runs through October to acknowledge the history and contribution that African and Caribbean communities have made to the UK. The virtual online map can be accessed here.