Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust has marked Black History Month today with a special event at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital, recognising the achievements, dedication and invaluable contributions of Black colleagues who help deliver exceptional care to patients every day.
The celebration brought together staff from across the Trust to reflect on the rich history, culture and achievements of Black communities, while also highlighting the vital role that diversity plays in strengthening the NHS workforce and improving patient care. The event was an opportunity to celebrate the many colleagues whose knowledge, compassion and commitment make a difference across SWB and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, every single day.
Natalie Whitton, Interim Divisional Director of Nursing in Surgical Services and Chair of the SWB Black and Minority Ethnic Staff Network, said: “Black History Month gives us an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements, resilience and contributions of Black colleagues across our organisation and beyond. Our NHS is stronger because of the diversity of the people who work within it, bringing different experiences, perspectives and talents that enrich the care we provide. Today was about recognising the incredible contribution our colleagues make every day, often going above and beyond for patients, families and one another. It was also an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made and to continue our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive.”
The event featured opportunities for colleagues to come together, share experiences and celebrate the impact that Black staff have made throughout the history of the NHS and continue to make. Staff such as Caroline Rennalls, Assistant Director of Operations and Resilience Management who has devoted more than four decades in the NHS and has been been driven by a simple ambition to make a difference to patients, colleagues and communities.
Caroline began her nursing training at St George’s Teaching Hospital in London in 1985, progressing through acute medicine, respiratory and cardiothoracic nursing to become a ward sister and respiratory nurse specialist. Her clinical career saw her care for patients with complex conditions while developing innovative approaches to improve their care and quality of life. As a specialist respiratory nurse, she introduced handheld notes for end of life respiratory patients before the digital age and presented the results both at the British and American Thoracic Societies. Looking abroad she also forged an exchange programme for senior nurses from South Africa and completed her Diploma in Health Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response. In 1997, Caroline moved into senior nursing leadership at King’s College Hospital before joining City Hospital, Birmingham, in 1999. Since 2002, she has built an extensive leadership career at SWB, holding roles across outpatient services, respiratory and cardiology, medicine, capacity management, resilience and operations.
As a Black woman of Jamaican heritage, Caroline has also spoken publicly about her experiences in the NHS and the importance of tackling racial inequality. She believes responsibility for addressing racism must sit across organisations rather than being left to people from ethnic minority backgrounds themselves. For Black History Month, Caroline’s story demonstrates the extraordinary contribution Black NHS colleagues make across generations. From delivering care at the bedside to shaping services at the highest level, her career has remained rooted in compassionate leadership, improving care and creating opportunities for others. In Caroline’s own words, giving back ‘with compassion, insight and joy’ has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of her career.
Diane Wake, Group Chief Executive commented: “We are proud to celebrate Black History Month and recognise the exceptional contribution of our Black colleagues whose expertise, dedication and compassion help deliver outstanding care every day. Across both Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, there are inspirational colleagues working in every role imaginable, from clinical teams and support services to leadership positions. Their commitment, innovation and professionalism make a lasting difference to the lives of patients, families and communities across the Black Country.
“Today’s event was a fitting opportunity to thank colleagues for everything they do and to reaffirm our commitment to fostering a workplace where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is championed and everyone has the opportunity to succeed.”