The National Health Service was formed in July 1948 just after World War II. The UK lacked the qualified workforce to provide this much-needed service and sought skilled and unskilled workers from the Commonwealth to migrate and support the NHS.
In June 1948, HMT Empire Windrush arrived at Tilbury docks, Essex, having set off from Jamaica with over 1,000 Caribbean immigrants. Throughout the 1950s and 60s many more West Indians travelled to the UK. Many expected a warm welcome, having been invited by the British government. Sadly, the new immigrants experienced great hostility both socially and within the working environment.
Without their contribution to a new NHS, the service would not be what it is today! The BCDD is a clear product of this, with nearly 100 doctors, dentists, medical and dental students of Caribbean heritage working and training within the NHS.
In June 2021 we marked this monumental observance day by acknowledging and celebrating the achievements and foundations laid by these unsung heros. The event consisted of an historic overview of the significant contribution of Caribbean health care workers to the NHS as well as a panel discussion. The panel discussion included former and current nurses, doctors, dentists, surgeons and a professor all with Caribbean heritage. They shared their experiences of working in the NHS and we were able to highlight and celebrate these often overlooked contributions.