City St George’s hosts anti-racist nursing and midwifery event

The School of Health & Medical Sciences (SHMS) at City St George’s held a film screening and book launch on anti-racist nursing and midwifery in late March. The event was organised by Dr Marina Daniele, Lecturer in Midwifery, Dr Ohemaa Nkansa-Dwamena, Associate Professor on the Professional Doctorate (DPsych) in Counselling Psychology, and colleagues. It was attended by approximately 50 people, including staff, students and members of the public.

The event opened with an address by Michelle Ellis, Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), who welcomed everyone and explained how the event connects to the broader EDI agenda within SHMS. This was followed by the screening of the documentary Exposed. This moving film provides testimonies from Black, Brown and migrant health workers who recount their experiences of racism within the National Health Service. People who missed the screening will be able to access it via the Nursing Narratives webpage. The study, led by Sheffield Hallam academics, underpins both the film and the new book. Nursing Narratives highlighted how systemic cultures of racism contributed to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on racialised minority health workers, in some cases leading to death.

After a break and refreshments, Prof Anandi Ramamurthy and Dr Sadiq Bhanbhro from Sheffield Hallam University introduced the new book, titled “Anti-Racist Nursing and Midwifery: A Resource for Students, Practitioners, Educators, and Activists” (Routledge, 2026). With the overall aim of empowering others, including white allies, by providing a deep understanding of how racism operates, the book offers opportunities for critical reflection. It is an invaluable resource for health professionals and students to understand the patterns of racism in the health workplace.

The book includes contributions from several health workers featured in the documentary, who were also in the room and joined a panel discussion and Q&A. This included members of the organisation Support 4 Black Nurses, as well as two other guests, Jane Bekoe, head of EDI at the Royal College of Midwives, and Dr Denise Borbolla, a counselling psychologist whose DPsych research focused on the plight of Filipino nurses during the pandemic. The discussion was energetic and frank, highlighting the ongoing disparities faced by staff of colour. The panel and the public urged transparency and accountability regarding the deaths of minoritised healthcare workers during the pandemic. They demanded renewed efforts from decision-makers to stamp out racism in healthcare.

In post-event feedback, all respondents praised the event for its content and organisation. One stated: “Really interesting, eye-opening and also just really sad. I was really proud to hear from all these strong NHS workers who are really resilient and hardworking, who care for people whilst experiencing racism, but I also felt angry that they’re being exploited and traumatised. It made me angry and motivated to do something.”