Honouring outstanding contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion in healthcare.
The National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards 2024 was a remarkable evening, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of healthcare professionals working towards greater diversity, equity, and inclusion across the sector.
Held at the prestigious RIBA building in central London on the 26th of 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 communities within healthcare.
Night of Inspiration and Leadership
The evening was filled with moving speeches and a palpable sense of pride as winners took the stage. Among the standout moments was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Michelle Cox, whose legal case has set a precedent for fighting workplace discrimination, inspiring countless others. Cox’s courageous journey to fight racism in the NHS has made her a symbol of resilience and leadership for B.A.M.E healthcare workers.
Another powerful moment came when Felicia Kwaku was named B.A.M.E Nurse of the Year. Her work has continuously pushed 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.
These awards, sponsored by the GMC, UNISON, NMC, Artemis, The Queen’s Nursing Institute and Insignia Global Partners, highlighted the ongoing importance of advocating for better representation and care for B.A.M.E patients and staff in maternity services.
Advocating for change: The Power of Allyship
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. The importance of allyship was a common theme throughout the evening, with many praising the crucial role allies play in fostering a more inclusive environment.
One of the most highly anticipated awards, Clinician of the Year, went to Tipswalo Day, sponsored by the General Medical Council, whose innovative 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.
Driving Progress Through Innovation and Education
The event was a resounding success, with comments like “Well done on such a fab event!” and “A truly thought-provoking conference!” filling social media. As one attendee said, “The conversations were challenging but hopeful—I left on a high.”
With the celebration of remarkable 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.
The National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards 2024 proved once again to be a night of celebration, solidarity, and continued commitment to creating a healthcare system where diversity is celebrated and equity is the standard. With winners and finalists leading the way, the event inspired everyone in attendance to continue driving change for the betterment of B.A.M.E communities in healthcare.
The 2024 National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards Winners:
1. Ally of the Year –Jon Hoeksma
2. Compassionate and Inclusive Leader – Denesha Connolly and Jaypee Palis Amada
3. Community Initiative of the Year – Sponsored by The Queen’s Nursing Institute Salman Waqar
4. Educator of the Year – Azhar Chaudhry
5. Ground-breaking Researcher – Professor (Dr) Monica Lakhanpaul
6. Health and Wellbeing Advocate – Julie Hammond
7. Inspiring Diversity and Inclusion Lead – Sponsored by UNISON – Arfan Bhatti
8. Outstanding B.A.M.E Inclusion Achievement of the Year – Asha Day
9. Outstanding Community Organisation of the Year – Errol Murray
10. Outstanding Corporate Achievement of the Year – Presented by Artemis – Harjit Bansal and Tonye Sikabofori
11. Voluntary Sector B.A.M.E Influencer of the Year – Dilum Hiththatiyage
12. Student of the Year – Osaruese Egharevba
13. B.A.M.E Midwife of the Year – Sponsored by The Nursing & Midwifery Council – Hildah Matiashe
14. B.A.M.E Nurse of the Year – Felicia Kwaku
15. Clinician of the Year – Sponsored by the General Medical Council – Tipswalo Day
16. Lifetime Achievement – Michelle Cox