(Newswire.net — November 28, 2013) Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey —
On the evening of 27 November The Health Service Journal supported by the BMA, NHS Employers and NHS Leadership Academy published the first ever celebration of healthcare’s influential leaders from BME backgrounds within the British National Health Service, by revealing 50 BME Pioneers judged to be making an outstanding contribution to shaping and leading quality care today.
During early November 2013 policymakers, expert commentators and directors within the top of NHS Leadership gathered at the HSJ Summit to reflect the most pressing challenges facing the NHS today. Just two were from a minority background. Leadership within the NHS fails to reflect the diversity of the population it serves.
In 2007, there were just four black NHS chief executives and three black directors of nursing. This number has stayed largely the same with reports stating BME applicants are “less likely to win NHS jobs”.
Yvonne Coghill a recognised pioneer and the senior programme lead for inclusion at the NHS Leadership Academy stated: the routine exclusion of black and minority ethnic colleagues from top roles in the health service is a travesty and leaders must be courageous to tackle the issue.
One of the most ethnically diverse teams in the NHS is the NHS England board, where half of non-executive directors are of a black and minority ethnic background. Sadly, the picture is not the same for many boards in the NHS, particularly for executive directors.
Neslyn Watson-Druée a highly decorated and celebrated pioneer is among the 50 BME Pioneers. Neslyn received the award: Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for Health Service Development from her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 in 2012.
I have only known Neslyn personally for a few months, but have known of her reputation as a tireless pioneer and superb coach for much longer. She has such power, passion, positivity and humility; if I become half as skilled as she is, I will be very proud. Neslyn truly deserves to be in the Top 50 list.
Candy Morris, candymorrisconsulting
Chris Butler, Chief Executive of Leeds and Yorkshire NHS PFT said:
It is great to see Neslyn Watson-Druée on the list. She is an inspiration to so many people, me included.
Neslyn Watson-Druée, is an Executive Coach on the register of NHS Leadership Academy and a public speaker on leading with courage and emotional intelligence