Open Britain, led by photographer and Oscar-nominated director JJ Keith, is excited to announce its collaboration with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, in an informative yet often moving project that celebrates the pivotal role migrant workers play in keeping the NHS running.
To coincide with ‘National Inclusion Week’, the Trust has released the series of Keith’s portraits highlighting the diversity of its staff and the diversity of the roles they fill.
Open Britain: Portrait of a Diverse Nation
Through the ongoing project ‘Open Britain: Portrait of a Diverse Nation,’ JJ Keith has embarked on a journey to capture the essence of multiculturalism in Britain. Over the past 18 months, Keith has documented the lives and experiences of over 130 first-generation migrants, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the fabric of British society.
In collaboration with The Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, Open Britain is proud to present the stories of 23 NHS workers who contribute to keeping the NHS running. From porters to trauma surgeons the societal impact of these individuals is invaluable.
It is estimated that 17% of the NHS workforce are non-British nationals but the figure for first generation migrants is likely to be many more, possibly double that. The NHS is under severe pressure, as highlighted by Lord Dazi’s recent report, and arguably it may have already failed without the sacrifices many of these people make moving
to the UK.
I want people to be reminded of just how diverse the NHS workforce is, how important those people are, and how they fill every role from top to bottom. The feelings and thoughts I want to inspire are as diverse as the people and stories themselves but if I had to pick just one it would be gratitude.
JJ Keith
The series was initiated by a chance meeting of JJ Keith and one of the paediatricians at the Trust, Professor Bob Klaber. As one of the Executive team leading the Trust, Bob was excited about the photographic project ‘Open Britain: Portrait of a Diverse Nation’ and could see the value of a building a collaboration with JJ with a specific focus on the amazing contribution migrant workers give to the NHS.
“Healthcare has people at its heart – our patients, the communities we serve and the wonderful staff who deliver the care. JJ’s beautiful portraits bring to life the remarkable stories of so many of our incredible colleagues who have brought their compassion, kindness and expertise, from across the globe, to everything we do across our hospitals at Imperial College Healthcare.” – Professor Bob Klaber OBE
Keith’s colour photographs are relaxed portraits that confront viewer providing a connection to the subject and help to tell the stories.
Image courtesy of JJ Keith
© JJ Keith
Rhona Eslabra was born in the Cagayan Valley in the Philippines. Rhona was 30 when the NHS recruited her to come to UK, leaving her baby daughter and husband behind. The difference in the working environment and more importantly the culture, can make it very difficult for migrant nurses to progress and can affect their confidence. Rhona arrived as an adaptation nurse where mentors make an informed decision if one can be signed off as a registered nurse and eventually get their Nursing and Midwifery Council registration.
Rhona has done well to advance to matron and continues to widen her capabilities and enhance her expertise. She’s currently completing her ‘Go further’ healthcare leaders fellowship – a targeted leadership development programme to develop and nurture talent in our healthcare professionals from BAME backgrounds. Important with such a diverse workforce. Her daughter followed her to the UK and recently completed her medicine degree. She will join St Mary’s Hospital in August as a doctor.
Her daughter followed her to the UK and recently completed her medicine degree. She will join St Mary’s Hospital in August as a doctor.
It is estimated that 17% of the NHS workforce are non-British nationals but the figure for first generation migrants is likely to be many more, possibly double that. The NHS is under severe pressure, as highlighted by Lord Dazi’s recent report, and arguably it may have already failed without the sacrifices many of these people make moving
to the UK.
Image courtesy of JJ Keith
© JJ Keith
Zubeid was born in Peshawar, Pakistan in 2000. His parents fled Afghanistan for Pakistan during the Soviet war as refugees and moved to the UK when he was seven. Zubeid graduated in biomedical sciences in 2022 and now works in cellular pathology, providing tissue samples for consultants to make their diagnosis.
Coming from a traditional Muslim background, Zubeid had the choice of whether he wanted an arranged marriage or not and was introduced to his bride on Zoom. They got to know each other remotely over three years before Zubeid travelled to Afghanistan in 2021 to meet her and marry.
Zubeid was meant to stay for three months to get his wife’s papers for the UK sorted but eighteen days in, on his wife’s birthday, there was a change of government and the Taliban took over. Zubeid and his wife were evacuated on a military plane. The sudden uprooting has meant it’s been a tough assimilation process for Zubeid’s wife, but they now have a nine-month-old daughter to focus their attention on and keep them busy.
Image courtesy of JJ Keith
© JJ Keith
Alicia Weekes was born in Barbados in 1957. Her mother came to work in the UK for Lyons Cakes as part of the Windrush Generation. Initially, Alicia didn’t see her mother for five years, however Alicia and her two brothers were reunited with her mother in London when Alicia was 10.
When she arrived Alicia cried a lot because she missed the freedom of Barbados. However, looking out the window, the fascination and novelty of seeing the milkman arrive everyday somehow helped. Aged 16, Alicia left school and trained as a chef. A variety of jobs followed before she joined the NHS in 1993.
Alicia has been a ward administrator for thirty-one years, making appointments, discharging patients and helping the doctors. She loves helping people and solving problems. The NHS has changed a lot over this time, but Alicia has been a constant.
JJ Keith continues to look for first generation immigrants that have settled in the UK and are contributing or have contributed to the UK – whether culturally, socially or economically.
©2024 JJ Keith
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