• Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is marking South Asian Heritage Month
• Annual awareness month aims to celebrate South Asian history, culture and communities
• Health and care staff in Bolton share what motivates them to work for the NHS

Midwives and nurses at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust say they feel a ‘deep responsibility’ to represent and be a voice for South Asian communities, as the organisation marks South Asian Heritage Month.

The annual awareness month, which takes place from 18 July – 17 August 2024, aims to celebrate and better understand South Asian heritage and the communities’ contributions to British society.

In the NHS, staff from South Asia make up 5.3% of the workface, that’s more than 75,000 people, according to the latest figures from the House of Commons Library.

This year’s theme is ‘Free to Be Me’, and encourages people to share their unique journey that has helped to share who they are today.

Zarina Rahman, a Specialist Community Public Health Nurse at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, has worked in the NHS for more than 20 years, inspired by helping people and families.

Zarina said:

I was born in Bolton, of Bangladeshi origin, and when I first started in the NHS there was very few BAME nurses.

“I currently work in a culturally diverse area and I believe coming from a diverse background allows people to identify with me and provide reassurance that I can understand some of their cultural and traditional needs.

It can act as a bridge between providing a seamless service. I love working in the community and find it a rewarding career.”

“I have stayed in the NHS for so long because I agree with the core principle of free healthcare to all, regardless of class or status.

Eight countries form the region of South Asia; they include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

‘My diverse background helps to break down barriers’

Waheeda Abbas, a Specialist Liaison Cultural Midwife at the Trust, was born in Burnley to Pakistani parents, who emigrated to England in the 1960s, and has shared her story about what inspired her to join the NHS to help make a difference.

Throughout my educational journey, from primary school to university, I noticed only a few students from South Asian communities. This trend continued into my professional life as a midwife, where only two of us came from Black or South Asian backgrounds. .

“With 22% of pregnant individuals coming from diverse backgrounds, I feel a deep responsibility to represent and be a voice for them.

My diverse background helps to break down barriers and enhances the uptake and compliance of the care we provide. This, in turn, boosts confidence in the healthcare services we offer to our community.

“I take great pride in my roles as a Cultural Liaison Midwife and Genomics Midwifery Lead. Every action I take is dedicated to reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes for all.

If you feel inspired by Waheeda and Zarina, please visit our jobs page to see the wide-range of NHS career opportunities that are available here in Bolton.