Publish date: 22 June 2023
Today marks the 75th birthday of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush on 22nd June 1948. Where 1027 passengers, largely from the Caribbean, boarded the ship to start a new life in England. It was first officially recognised as a day of celebration in 2017. Windrush Day highlights the amazing legacy of the Windrush Generation to British society.
In partnership with Port of Tilbury, 50 NHS London staff (and their plus ones) are attending a special event today at Tilbury Docks to mark the 75th anniversary of Windrush. The event will begin with a boat cruise from Waterloo arriving at the docks for a unique afternoon of music, exhibitions, talks and performances.
I'm very excited to attend this event with my mother as we have a strong connection to Windrush generation. My grandfather was one of the many Caribbean men, women and children that travelled aboard the Windrush ship in 1948. My grandfather settled in Hackney and he initially worked for the NHS as a hospital porter for approximately 12 years. A few years later my grandfather sent for my grandmother and she joined him in the UK, and my mother and her younger siblings were born shortly after. My mother, sister and I all followed in my grandfather’s footsteps and decided to work for the NHS.
The Windrush 75th birthday is an important celebration not only for me, but many others connected to its significant history. On this day we recognise and thank all those who arrived on Empire Windrush (Windrush Generation) for the enormous contributions they made to Britain during its recovery from the Second World War. The Windrush generation responded to adverts offering jobs in Britain and came over to undertake a variety of occupations to help rebuild the nation. These jobs included the production of steel, coal, iron, and food, as well as roles in running public transport and staffing the NHS. But it’s also important to remember Windrush immigrants faced hostility from some parts of the British population. Windrush marked the start of a very long journey and fight for the Caribbean community to secure equality and inclusion, and great progress has been made. Their legacy is one of contribution, struggle and positive change for our society.
It is important to recognise this day and the upcoming NHS 75th birthday on 5th July 2023 to celebrate the developments, innovations and advances the NHS has made over the last 75 years. With statistics showing the NHS treating approximately 1.3 million people a day in England, I feel privileged to work for the NHS and more importantly, West London NHS Trust.