Marking Windrush Day at Sandwell and West Birmingham: 22 June
June 21, 2023
In June 1948, HMT Empire Windrush stopped in countries including Jamaica, Trinidad and Bermuda, before docking at Tilbury Docks in Essex. 1027 passengers disembarked from the ship, over 800 of whom gave their last country of residence as somewhere in the Caribbean. It’s no coincidence that the NHS launched just two weeks later, on 5 July 1948.
As we celebrate the NHS’ 75th year, we are marking Windrush Day 2023, celebrating the contribution of the Windrush generation themselves and their children and grandchildren. The legacy of this generation can’t be ignored and the numbers, stories and history tell a clear truth: the Windrush generation has been essential to the survival of the NHS.
Be sure to check out these two videos below about Windrush. The first is SWB celebrating the Windrush generation and their children and grandchildren who have also joined our Trust to deliver compassionate care to our patients. The second is Richard Beeken, Chief Executive talking about Windrush, and it’s significance to the NHS.