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​Cherish Otoo, who currently works in the Emergency Department in the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, has been added to the Health Service Journal’s list to be of the 50 most influential black, Asian and minority ethnic people throughout the health industry.

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Cherish who had previously, worked for Morecambe Bay Health Trust in a non-clinical role, was one of the first individuals to undergo and qualify as a nurse studying at the University of Cumbria’s Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship programme.

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The judges at the award show said Miss Otoo has shown high amounts of “courage and enthusiasm” when facing the challenges that are overlooked and faced by minority ethnic colleagues. The Royal Lancaster Infirmary nurse Cherish, expressed her gratitude and pride in winning the awards, specifically her work to support Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic individuals working throughout the NHS.

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Following the award show, Cherish spoke to Beyond Radio after she won Most Inspirational Student of the year and the Mary Seacole Award for Outstanding Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion at the 2022 Student Nursing Times Awards.

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Dr Habib Naqvi the director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory said ’Diversity of thought and representation became a defining component for many health organisations’ responses to covid-19.

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‘’Diversity in the leadership of the health and care system will, in part, determine the success of its response to any future pandemic.

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’This list, therefore, proves both a cause for celebration and ammunition for the fight to improve ethnic minority representation at senior levels across the system. It does not just celebrate the important role individual leaders are playing, it also underscores the critical need for diverse leadership.

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We must therefore stay steadfast in our collective mission to ensure all staff have the opportunities they deserve; doing so will support the health and care system to deliver the highest quality of compassionate care for all communities.’’

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The award ceremony is solely based on honouring the achievements of student nurses and educators and celebrates its 11th anniversary this year. The award show hopes to continue its celebration for many more years.

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