CREDIT: Andy Keate
A NEW mural at Guy’s Hospital in London pays tribute to the vital contributions of African women to UK healthcare services.
Among the celebrated figures is Kofoworola Abeni Pratt, recognised as the NHS's first Black nurse. Born in Nigeria in 1910, Ms. Pratt trained at the Nightingale School of Nursing at St Thomas’ Hospital from 1946 to 1950. She served in the NHS for four years, working at Evelina London Children’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital, and made history as the first qualified Black nurse in the UK.
Also depicted is Dzagbele Matilda Asante, who was born in Ghana in 1927. After arriving in the UK in 1947, she trained at Central Middlesex Hospital during the NHS's formative years. Ms. Asante later specialised in midwifery and health visiting, making significant contributions to the field.
South African nurse and midwife Blanche La Guma, an activist against the Apartheid regime, is another key figure in the mural. Exiled to London in 1966, she continued her nursing and midwifery practice, further enriching the UK's healthcare landscape.
The mural is part of the Hidden History project, which honours pioneering African women in healthcare both before and after the establishment of the NHS. This initiative is a collaboration between artist Dr. Michele Curtis, the Young Historians Project, the Mayor of London’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm, and the NHS.
Dr. Curtis expressed her passion for the project, stating, “This subject is so dear to my heart. I’m excited to see this project continue to grow from strength to strength."
Kaitlene Koranteng, a project manager at the Young Historians Project, emphasised the importance of recognising the achievements of African women, stating, "This mural is the result of research, listening, and learning from history. I hope it will teach others and inspire them to dig deeper."
The mural was developed in consultation with the multicultural staff network at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, highlighting the diverse voices within the healthcare community.
In addition to the historical figures, the mural features a contemporary health worker, Metian Parsanka. Born in Kenya and now an advanced clinical practitioner and occupational therapist in the emergency department at St Thomas’ Hospital, Ms. Parsanka shared her honor in being part of this vibrant representation. “I am surprised, privileged, and happy to represent my culture and profession among such accomplished women,” she remarked.
The mural at Guy’s Hospital is the third in a series, following previous installations at Charing Cross Hospital in London and Royal United Hospital in Bath.
This initiative aims to ensure the stories of these influential women are acknowledged and celebrated, enriching the narrative of healthcare in the UK.
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