January 22nd: Today's Feature

January

Dame Donna Kinnair DBE was born in 1960 or 1961 is a British nurse and former Chief Executive and General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). She has specialised in child protection, providing leadership in major hospital trusts in London, teaching, and advising on legal and governmental committees.

Background & Early Journey into Nursing

In the past, there existed a group of ambitious young individuals who secured jobs in hospitals, not as nurses, but as "orderlies" as they were referred to back then. These individuals were responsible for the cleanliness and maintenance of the hospitals. Although they may have initially felt disappointed with their roles, they seized the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into hospital life and the harsh realities faced by Black hospital workers in the UK. The reactions and reluctance displayed by numerous patients and visitors towards these workers served as eye-opening experiences for them.

Despite facing numerous rejections and submitting countless applications for nurse training, a glimmer of hope emerged for some of these individuals. However, they were only granted the opportunity to become State Enrolled Nurses, a position considered to be one step below the esteemed State Registered Nurses. This distinction created a hierarchical divide within the nursing profession, limiting their chances for career advancement. Nevertheless, these determined young nurses refused to be deterred by the prevalent racism they encountered. Their unwavering resilience, courage, and determination became their driving force to overcome the obstacles they faced.

Progress!

Fast forward two decades to the year 1964, and a significant milestone was achieved when Daphne Steele became the first Black Matron at a hospital located in Ilkley, Yorkshire. This groundbreaking achievement shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black healthcare professionals. Another two decades later, a young woman named Donna Kinnair embarked on her nursing training in Whitechapel, London.

Donna's journey symbolised the progress made in the healthcare industry, as she followed in the footsteps of those who came before her, breaking down racial barriers and striving for equality within the profession. These trailblazers, like Daphne and Donna, serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for aspiring healthcare professionals, proving that with determination and perseverance, one can overcome even the most entrenched prejudices.

From Academia to Healthcare

Kinnair's journey in academia began with a focus on mathematics, but her passion for nursing quickly took hold. She embraced the field with enthusiasm and determination, expanding her healthcare expertise through various experiences. One notable aspect of her career was her work with HIV patients, where she gained invaluable knowledge and skills. Additionally, she sought out opportunities in intensive care hospital settings and as a Health Visitor in the community, further broadening her understanding of healthcare delivery.

Inspired by the trailblazing Windrush Generation, who paved the way for nurses to excel beyond the confines of hospitals, Kinnair followed in their footsteps. She recognised that nursing was not limited to the walls of a medical facility, but had the potential to extend into leadership roles. This realisation fuelled her drive to push boundaries and make a lasting impact. To further enhance her expertise, Kinnair pursued a Masters' Degree in Medical Law and Ethics, with a particular focus on child protection. Her dedication to this area of work led her to become an expert adviser, contributing significantly to the welfare of children.

Above & Beyond

As a descendant of the Windrush Generation, Kinnair's contributions to Britain went far beyond what her predecessors could have imagined. She shattered barriers and showcased the immense potential that could have been realised if racism had not hindered the progress of Black nurses during that era. Kinnair's talent, passion, and unwavering commitment to her profession propelled her into numerous senior positions within the healthcare and education sectors.

Her impressive resume included roles such as Strategic Commissioner for Children's Services, Clinical Director of Emergency Medicine, and Director of Commissioning. In recognition of her outstanding achievements and invaluable contributions to the UK, Kinnair was honoured with the prestigious title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2008.

Prime Minister's Commission

Kinnair, a highly respected figure in her field, has made significant contributions to the nursing and midwifery profession. Her expertise and influence were further recognised when she became a member of the Prime Minister's Commission in 2010, where she provided valuable advice on nursing and midwifery. This appointment solidified her reputation as a leader and influencer in the healthcare sector.

In addition to her role in the Prime Minister's Commission, Kinnair's expertise has taken her around the world. She was invited to teach medical law, ethics, and child protection in various countries, including New Zealand, Russia, Kenya, and throughout the UK. This international recognition further validated her expert status and showcased her ability to inspire others through her teaching and knowledge-sharing.

Kinnair's impressive career progression within the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is a testament to her professionalism and commitment to excellence. Starting as the Head of Nursing in 2015, she quickly rose through the ranks to become the Director for Nursing, Policy, and Practice in 2016.

Her dedication and exceptional performance led to her appointment as the acting Chief Executive and General Secretary of RCN in August 2018, a position that was later confirmed permanently in April 2019. Her leadership has already had a tremendous impact, particularly in the challenging year of 2020, where she faced the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and the urgent need for equality and inclusiveness in society.

Kinnair's unwavering commitment to innovation and quality service has been instrumental in navigating these complex issues and ensuring that the nursing profession continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare.

In 2020, Professor Dame Donna Kinnair DBE received a remarkable honour by being included in the prestigious Powerlist, a compilation of the 100 most influential individuals of African and African Caribbean descent in Britain. This recognition not only highlights her exceptional achievements but also serves as a testament to her significant impact on society.

The Windrush Generation and their descendants, who have played an integral role in the growth and success of the National Health Service (NHS), have expressed their utmost admiration and gratitude towards Professor Dame Donna Kinnair. Her invaluable contributions to the NHS have been recognised and appreciated by those who have witnessed the transformation of the healthcare system into a world-class service.