NELFT is marking Windrush Day by recognising all NHS colleagues connected to the Windrush’s arrival to the UK.

Tomorrow, 22 June, marks Windrush Day, a day which commemorates the Windrush Generation and their legacy.

The Windrush generation refers to the approximately 500,000 people who migrated from the Caribbean to the UK between 1948 and 1971.

They were invited by the British government to help rebuild the country after World War II and to fill labour shortages.

The NHS benefitted significantly from the Windrush generation. Within weeks of the Empire Windrush’s arrival in the late 1940’s, many of those on board joined the NHS. The arrival of healthcare professionals from the Caribbean drastically improved workforce shortages especially due to a shortage of doctors and nurses after World War II in the NHS.

This wasn’t the only significant impact the Windrush generation had on British society. They contributed to the growth of the British economy and played a significant role in shaping British Culture, including establishing their own communities and enriching British society with their music, food, and traditions.

In 2018, the observance was first introduced to honour the British Caribbean community; especially those who came to Britain in 1948 on the Empire Windrush.

Since their arrival, the Windrush Generation and their descendants have gone on to provide tremendous contributions to Britain in public life, business, the arts, and sport.

Our CEO, Paul Calaminus, our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team and the Chairs of our Global Majority Network would like to applaud and say a massive thank you to the Windrush Generation on behalf of NELFT.