This Black History Month, a special event will explore the Windrush generation’s vital role in shaping the National Health Service.
Through expert speakers and first-hand accounts, the evening will highlight the resilience, dedication, and contributions of those who answered Britain’s call for workers in the wake of the Second World War.
When HMT Empire Windrush arrived in Essex on 22 June 1948, its passengers brought with them skills, ambition, and a commitment to building new lives in Britain. Just weeks later, the NHS was launched on 5 July, with many of these men and women stepping directly into vital roles across the health service, transport, and postal sectors.
The contribution of Caribbean migrants to the NHS was profound. Despite facing racism and discrimination, they provided essential care, filled staff shortages, and helped to establish the NHS as one of the nation’s most valued institutions. Their perseverance and service remain a cornerstone of both British healthcare and Black British history.
This event will feature stories uncovered in the Barts Health NHS Trust archives alongside a personal testimony of moving to the UK and working within the NHS during this formative era. In partnership with the Migration Museum and St Barts Archives, the programme offers a rich blend of historical research and lived experience.
Hosted in the newly refurbished Barts North Wing of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, the event is both a commemoration and a celebration. It is an opportunity to reflect on the Windrush legacy, acknowledge the challenges faced, and honour the invaluable role of this generation in creating and sustaining the National Health Service.
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