We are now halfway through Black History Month, which is held throughout October. Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the continued achievements and contributions of Black people in our country and organisation. Please read a statement below from Calum Campbell, our Chief Executive:
“NHS Lothian is proud to mark Black History Month in 2021 with a number of important reflections.
“At this time of pressure on all of our services, we remember with gratitude the thousands of workers – doctors, nurses, and many others – who have heard our calls since the inception of the NHS in 1948, and come to the UK from their homelands around the world to support our efforts to provide the best healthcare in the world.
“We are celebrating the second anniversary of our NHS Lothian BME Staff Network and implementing our Advancing Equalities Action Plan which is based on the aspirations of all of our Equalities Staff Network members. You can watch a short film made by members of the BME Network here.
“Funds realised from Atlantic slavery benefited Lothian hospitals. As part of NHS Lothian’s commitment to research, understand and acknowledge that history, we are embarking on a research project with our partners in the Edinburgh and Lothians Health Foundation, and the University of Edinburgh, to examine the historic records in Lothian Health Services Archive and uncover the origins of hospital philanthropy.
“Last but no means least, we are celebrating the work of many of our Black and minority ethnic workers in making our work during COVID-19 as inclusive and effective as possible, by working with local minority communities to ensure that treatment, vaccination and safe ways to live are understood and accessible to everyone who lives in Lothian.
“Thank you for joining with us to celebrate Black History Month. By working together, we can all offer the best health service possible - whatever challenges we face.”
