2011 Mary Seacole Award winners announced
25 October 2011
Six exceptional nurses, midwives and health visitors were today
(25 October) recognised for their contribution to black and ethnic
minority (BME) communities with Mary Seacole Leadership and
Development Awards.
The winners were announced at a ceremony held at the Unison
headquarters in London, attended by Anne Milton MP, parliamentary
under secretary of state for public health.
The awards were created in 1994 in honour of Mary Seacole, who
made a significant contribution to nursing in the 19th century,
including caring for wounded British soldiers during the Crimean
War.
The awards are jointly funded by the Department of Health and
NHS Employers, who work in partnership with Unison, the Royal
College of Nursing, Royal College of Midwives and Unite. The
winners of the two leadership awards receive a bursary of £12,500,
and the four development award winners, £6,250, allowing them to
undertake a year-long project to benefit the health needs of people
from BME communities.
Public health minister Anne Milton said: “150 years after Mary
Seacole made her contribution to nursing, today we witness the same
courage, dedication and compassion in the profession.
“The nurses we are recognising today have shown that same
dedication, sometimes courage, but always compassion.
"These awards have a long standing history of recognising and
encouraging future leaders in the NHS. That's what we want to see -
putting patients first and showing by example what can be achieved
- congratulations to all the award winners.”
Janet Davies, RCN executive director for nursing and service
delivery, said: “Mary Seacole is rightly revered as one of the most
inspirational nursing figures the world has known; she not only
delivered patient care on the battlefield but broke down barriers
for both women and members from black and minority ethnic groups.
She is a true nursing icon and these awards are a fitting testimony
to her. The award recipients should be very proud of their
achievements and the difference they have made to the lives of
people from BME communities.”
Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, said: “I am
immensely proud of what these nurses, midwives and health visitors
have achieved at a time of real financial hardship in the NHS.
Staff are standing strong and forceful, just as Mary Seacole did.
It is important to recognise not just the outstanding contribution
of these individuals, but of the profession as a whole.
“It’s fitting that the awards are taking place in the Elizabeth
Garrett Anderson building, founded by the first British female
doctor who, like Mary, overcame adversity.
“October is Black History month, which celebrates the
achievements of black Britons throughout the decades. Health staff
make a vital contribution to improving the lives of black and
ethnic minority patients - showing that the legacy of Mary Seacole
lives on.”
Unite lead professional officer, Obi Amadi, said: “The high
quality of the six award winners is a true tribute to those working
for the health service and the inspiring memory of Mary
Seacole. Our colleagues are facing a time of cuts and
austerity in the public sector, making the innovation and hard work
of those receiving the Mary Seacole award a great example of the
public service ethos and the dedication shown by those who work
within the sector.”
Louise Silverton, RCM deputy general secretary, said: “The Mary
Seacole Awards have been ground-breaking in improving care for BME
communities. They have enabled winners to showcase their talent and
develop innovative midwifery and nursing leadership skills by
improving safety, the service user’s experience and clinical
effectiveness in midwifery and nursing practice and service
delivery. They have been a great springboard for innovation.”
The new 2011 award winners
Mary Seacole Leadership Awards: Marsha Jones; Sarah Amani
Mary Seacole Development Awards: Sonia Wijesundare; Valerie
Freestone; Grahame Fraser; Karen Murray;
ENDS
Notes for editors:
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contact the RCN Media Office on 0207 647 3633, email press.office@rcn.org.uk or
visit http://www.rcn.org.uk/newsevents/media
