Since its establishment in 1948, the NHS has attracted people from all corners of the globe to work in its hospitals. Currently, about one in six employees in the NHS are non-British, and many more are the offspring of immigrant healthcare workers. These international staff members have played a vital role in shaping the NHS into the institution it is today, yet their contributions have largely been overlooked.
Heart of the Nation is a captivating multimedia exhibition that raises important questions about the individuals who care for us and whether we truly appreciate their efforts. The exhibition showcases personal stories from NHS workers spanning from the 1940s to the present day. These narratives are brought to life through an array of mediums, including photography, film, oral histories, singing, and storytelling.
You can currently experience the Heart of the Nation exhibition at the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery until October 29th. This is just the beginning, as the exhibition will be embarking on a national tour, with future stops planned for Leeds and London. For those unable to attend in person, the exhibition can also be explored via the website www.heartofthenation.co.uk.
Lillian Tan, a retired nurse who arrived in Britain from Malaysia in 1959, shares her story as part of the exhibition. Overcoming initial homesickness and negative remarks from her aunt, Lillian was determined to prove her worth as a nurse. She recounts her experiences working with different types of people in the community, expressing her indifference towards social status or wealth. Lillian also recounts her valuable work with AIDS patients during a time when many nurses were afraid to care for them.
Allyson Williams MBE, a retired midwife who arrived in London from Trinidad in 1969, recalls how she coped with the loneliness by regularly meeting up with friends from her training program. She also discusses the racial discrimination she faced from patients and her empowering response to their derogatory comments.
Dr. Aye Aye Myint and Gordon Paw, who arrived in the UK from Yangon, Myanmar in 1989, share their journey of coming to the UK for postgraduate studies and their decision to work in the NHS. Despite the challenges of adapting to regional accents and the slower pace of services during holidays, they have found fulfillment in helping patients and working with compassionate colleagues.
Dr. Arnab Seal and Dr. Sunita Seal, who arrived in 1992 from India, recount their initial impressions of the UK, including the quietness and coldness of the rural village they stayed in. They also discuss their experiences with overt racism in the 1990s and the positive changes that have occurred since then.
Lastly, the exhibit features the Dimov family, with Prof. Dr. Galina Velikova-Dimova, a professor in psychosocial and medical oncology, and Dr. Doytchin Dimov, a consultant physician in respiratory disease. They highlight the camaraderie and support they have found among colleagues in the NHS, despite the past prevalence of racism. The Dimovs emphasize the need to address biases that still exist in the healthcare system.
The Heart of the Nation exhibition offers a powerful and thought-provoking look into the lives and experiences of international healthcare workers in the NHS. It serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions these individuals have made and continue to make in providing care to the British population.
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