Zarah ChoudharyMichelle Cox, whose legal case set a precedent for fighting workplace discrimination, has won the Lifetime Achievement Award at The National B.A.M.E Health and Care Awards 2024.
The awards celebrated the achievements of healthcare professionals working towards greater diversity, equity, and inclusion across the sector.
Held at the RIBA building in central London on 26th September, the event brought together leaders, advocates, and trailblazers to recognise the impact of those advancing the representation and care of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in healthcare.
Felicia Kwaku was named B.A.M.E Nurse of the Year, recognising her work pushing for equity and inclusion, paving the way for B.A.M.E nurses across the healthcare system.
The B.A.M.E Midwife of the Year award, sponsored by the Nursing & Midwifery Council, was presented to Hildah Matiashe for her commitment to improving perinatal outcomes for women of colour.
The awards were sponsored by the GMC, UNISON, NMC, Artemis, The Queen’s Nursing Institute and Insignia Global Partners, highlighting the ongoing importance of advocating for better representation and care for B.A.M.E patients and staff in maternity services.
Jon Hoeksma, recognised as the Ally of the Year, was celebrated for his continuous support and advocacy for B.A.M.E staff in healthcare.
Clinician of the Year went to Tipswalo Day, sponsored by the General Medical Council, whose work in perinatal governance has directly improved outcomes for babies in need of resuscitation, while Dr Azhar Chaudhry was honoured as Educator of the Year for his commitment to mentoring B.A.M.E medical graduates.
The Inspiring Diversity & Inclusion Lead of the Year, sponsored by UNISON, was awarded to Arfan Bhatti for his outstanding work in making sure B.A.M.E staff, from junior to senior levels, can develop and succeed in the NHS.
One attendee said: “The conversations were challenging but hopeful—I left on a high.”
With the celebration of individuals such as Julie Hammond, Errol Murray, Denesha Connolly, Jaypee Palis, Salman Waqar, Asha Day, Harjit Bansal,Tonye Sikabofori, Osaruese Egharevba, Dilum Hiththatiyage and Professor Monica Lakhanpaul, the National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards 2024 shone a light on the incredible contributions of B.A.M.E healthcare professionals, setting the stage for continued progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion across the health sector.
