Department of Health Launches Major Oral History Project, UK
The project will document the experiences and commitment of those from the Caribbean who helped set the foundations for today's NHS, during its formative years between 1948 and 1969.
In the wake of the post-war boom, NHS staff were actively recruited from the Caribbean by the British government to help build the newly formed NHS, at a time when the UK faced severe shortages in labour at all levels in the health service. Recruitment came through advertisements in local Caribbean newspapers and active recruitment drives in the colonies.
Personal stories will be collated into a book to be published later in the year. The widest possible range of occupational groups will be depicted and will include people who made notable contributions and those who worked at all levels of the health service.
Oral histories, supported by images, will be the principal approach used in collecting material; the emphasis will be on people telling their own stories. Significant events in the development of the NHS and the related legalisation and changes in policy and practices will be highlighted.
The book will be commercially published but will also be distributed free to careers services and organisations which help young people make career decisions.
Cecile Day, chair of the Department's Ethnic Minority Working Group, said:
"This section of the workforce, which is able to share experiences of the formative stages of the NHS, is rapidly becoming a diminishing source of information, as many have already become pensioners, or will do so over the next few years. It is important to record their first-hand experiences in order to acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate their contribution, which I feel will inspire others as it has inspired me to work and contribute to a service which affects all of us."
Surinder Sharma, Director of Equality and Human Rights, said:
"The NHS is a real, living organisation and its workforce must reflect the population it serves in order to deliver appropriate services to all communities. This important project will not only ensure that the contribution of this key group of staff is preserved for the future, but will also play a valuable part in encouraging future generations to consider a career in the NHS."
Notes to editors
If you wish to interview Surinder Sharma please call Abigail Harris or Sally Aldous in the Department of Health press office on 020 7210 5889 / 5230 email firstname.lastname@dh.gsi.gov.uk
The book will be published in October 2005 to coincide with Black History Month
Anyone wanting to be involved in the project or to submit their story should call Laura Foster at Sugarmedia on 0207 407 7747 , email laura@sugarmedia.co.uk, fax 0207 407 6800.
GNNREF: 111555
Issued by : DOH Press Office (UK)
Departamentul de Sanatate lanseaza majore de Istorie Orala de proiect, Marea Britanie - Department of Health Launches Major Oral History Project, UK - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate