Overseas nurses to give talks as ‘modern-day Mary Seacoles’
A group of internationally educated nurses and midwives will tell their stories in schools and hospitals as part of a new pilot project between NHS England and the Mary Seacole Trust.
The Mary Seacole and Me Storytellers programme has seen 13 diaspora nurses and midwives successfully apply to take part.
“The stories told by these modern-day Marys are humbling and inspiring”
Trevor Sterling
They will now be available to deliver talks to local communities about the work of Mary Seacole as well as their own journeys as “modern day Marys”.
Seacole, who was born in Jamaica, nursed injured soldiers during the Crimean War despite having her offer to help initially rejected by war officials.
Her passion for nursing took her to various places around the world including London where she faced racism.
The 13 international nurses involved in the Mary Seacole and Me Storytellers project come from various countries including Kenya, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, India, Uganda and Trinidad and Tobago.
Patricia Gordon, a practice nurse who came to the UK from Jamaica, is one of those taking part.
Comparing her own experience with Seacole’s, she said: “Our journeys were faced with numerous obstacles and challenges, such as racism, prejudice, inequality and stereotypes.
“Despite these challenges, Mother Seacole and myself as a modern-day nurse demonstrate resilience, tenacity, determination and deep commitment to patient care.”
As part of the project, the nurses and midwives will receive mentoring and support to develop their confidence, presentation and public speaking skills.
The benefits of the programme will be evaluated after a year and if successful, could be repeated annually.
Trevor Sterling, chair of the Mary Seacole Trust, said: “Mary Seacole was an international nurse who overcame incredible challenges to help those in need and we wanted to hear and learn from nurses and midwives who followed in her footsteps.
“The stories told by these modern-day Marys are humbling and inspiring. Their dedication to patient care shines through, despite the challenges they have faced – from the logistical problems of changing countries to racism and discrimination within the health service structure.
“However, what we also find is that hard work and determination have led to huge achievements, both personal and for the care of patients.”
Jeni Caguioa, senior clinical manager for NHS England in the Midlands, said the programme would enable international nurses and midwives to be “seen in a new light”.
“They are not ‘just a pair of hands’ but they are resilient and courageous individuals who have faced head-on the challenges that come with working in a new country, like what Mary Seacole did during the Crimean War,” she added.
The ‘modern-day Marys’ are available for talks on request.
Read more about Mary Seacole and her legacy
