News | Wednesday, 20th October 2021
University lecturer receives Royal College of Nursing award for equality, diversity and inclusion
The Outstanding Achievement award recognises Dr Gayatri Nambiar-Greenwood for her work in the North West
A Manchester Metropolitan University nursing lecturer has been recognised by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) for her contribution to diversity, equality, and inclusion in the North West.
Senior Lecturer Dr Gayatri Nambiar-Greenwood received the Outstanding Achievement award at the RCN North West’s annual event in celebration of Black History Month. The event celebrates the rich history and contribution of BAME nursing staff across the region.
Dr Nambiar-Greenwood has done significant work to promote the equality, diversity and inclusion agenda among both the current and future health care workforce.
She has developed the nursing curriculum at Manchester Metropolitan University to incorporate units on diversity and inclusion and conscious and unconscious bias, focusing particularly on years one and two of training. Last year, she was appointed as the inclusive curriculum lead across the entire Faculty of Health and Education, and alongside this, has conducted research into cultural sensitivities and awareness among healthcare staff.
Outside University, Dr Nambiar-Greenwood has worked with NHS Organ Donation and Blood Transfusion teams in the North West for the past three years to deliver unconscious bias training.
She was nominated for the RCN award by her colleagues in the nursing department at Manchester Metropolitan University. Commenting on the win, she said: “I’m honoured to receive this award from the Royal College of Nursing. I believe that it’s everyone’s job to promote diversity and inclusivity and to challenge perceptions, but it’s something I’m particularly passionate about.
“It’s vital that our future health workforce understands equity and is aware of the personal role they can play in achieving that by applying it in their jobs. What makes someone a successful health professional is delivering the art of care – something that goes beyond science and is all about equity. Without that, we simply won’t be able to empathise with others.”
Dr Nambiar-Greenwood was one of seven recipients of the award. Congratulating the winners, Estephanie Dunn, Regional Director of the Royal College of Nursing in the North West said: “Our Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic nursing community play a vital role in caring for people in our region who need it most. Dr Nambiar–Greenwood’s award celebrates the unique contribution that our BAME nursing community makes across the North West.”
She added: “However, we must not forget that BAME staff continue to face an uphill battle for equal access to career opportunities and to be treated fairly in the workplace. Racial inequality in the workplace can affect patient care at a time where the profession is crying out for nursing staff with more than 5,000 registered nurse vacancies across the region. Hearing how valued our award winners are in their organisations gives me hope that one day trying to fight inequality within the health and social care sector will be a thing of the past.”
