Dionne JM Daniel was inspired to take up nursing by her aunt Yvonne who came to England as a nurse as part of the Windrush generation.

The HMT Empire Windrush was the first boat to arrive in Essex in June 1948 carrying hundreds of passengers from the Caribbean to help fill post-war workforce shortages. Nursing was one of those professions affected and just a few weeks later, on 5th July, the National Health Service was created.

Those first NHS employees faced overt racism and discrimination and their qualifications weren’t recognised. But despite hardships, they committed themselves to caring for British citizens, forming a crucial part of the new health service.

“Despite aunt Yvonne’s mixed experiences,” remembers Dionne “her passion for the nursing profession always inspired me. I wanted to be either a nurse, teacher or social worker and I have found with nursing I’m able to be all of these.”

Dionne is currently a Director of Nursing – Fundamentals of Care at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust.

“I love the diversity of nursing and the fact that no two days are the same. I’m proud that I’m able to positively impact patient care.”

Black History month

Cavell is proud to support and recognise Black History month during October. This years’ theme is ‘Saluting our Sisters’, looking at the contribution black women have made. With the nursing and midwifery professions overwhelmingly female, this feels an important time to shine a light on those who go above and beyond every day for their patients and colleagues.

Dionne is a woman of colour in a senior nursing role. What has been her experience of working her way up the career ladder?

“My career experience has been varied so far,” explains Dionne “I’ve had amazing support from some really good people, but it has also been tough and challenging at times. I’ve learnt to use those experiences to keep me going.

“I tend to see nurses of colour in more junior roles but my organisation is quite diverse as my Chief Nurse is a woman of colour and so are the Site Chief Nurses. Though there is still a lot of work to do at senior levels to increase diversity.”

Do Dionne and her senior colleagues see themselves as inspiring future generations of nurses and midwives of colour?

“Yes, I definitely do. I see myself as a role model who is standing on the shoulders of giants!” explains Dionne.

“We’re all really focused on championing and supporting diversity at my Trust by recognising people’s differences and understanding the impact of intersectionality*, for example, I’m a black woman of faith with unseen disabilities.

“I am also Chair of the Disability Network for staff and an ally for people with other protected characteristics. I strongly believe that no one should be left behind so I try to mentor people at different career levels and ethnicities.”

Does Dionne feel Black History month is important?

“It is very important. We all need to be remember and celebrate Black History in the UK. It needs to matter to people of colour as well as their allies. It’s a reminder of the past struggles people went through, like my aunt Yvonne as she attempted to realise her passion for nursing, but also signals important changes needed for the future.”

*Intersectionality is an analytical framework for understanding how individuals’ various social and political identities result in unique combinations of discrimination and privilege. Intersectionality identifies multiple factors of advantage and disadvantage.