January 24th: Today's Feature

January

Dame Daphne Steele, (15 October 1927 – 2004), a remarkable Guyanese nurse, made history in 1964 when she became the first Black Matron in the National Health Service (NHS). Born in 1927 in the Dutch colony of Essequibo, which is now part of Guyana, Daphne was the eldest of nine children. Her younger sister went on to become known as renowned actress Carmen Munroe. Their father, a pharmacist, supported the family while her mother took care of the household. Thanks to their financial stability, the family was able to employ domestic help to ensure their family home remained clean and well- maintained

Early Life

In 1945, Daphne embarked on her nursing and midwifery training at the public hospital in Georgetown. Six years later, she made the life-changing decision to immigrate to the United Kingdom as part of the British Government's recruitment efforts for the newly established NHS. The journey took 14 days, and upon her arrival in Plymouth, Devon, Daphne was taken aback when a white man offered to carry her luggage. In her home country, it was uncommon for white men to perform such tasks, as they were typically in managerial positions.

Daphne quickly adapted to her new environment and was placed on a fast-track program at St James' Hospital in Balham, South London. The strict discipline she experienced there reminded her of being in the military, extending even to the nurses' residence where she lived. Unfortunately, she also encountered racism from her white colleagues and patients. However, Daphne chose to respond with kindness and friendliness, determined not to let these experiences affect her personally. She even admired her Jamaican colleagues' ability to skillfully handle difficult patients.

Medical CareerAfter a brief period in the United States, where she worked at a hospital in New Jersey, Daphne returned to the UK in 1960 and was stationed at RAF Brize Norton. Later, she settled in Manchester and took on the role of Deputy Matron at a nursing home. When the home faced closure, an Irish Matron encouraged Daphne to apply for the position of Matron. In 1964, she was appointed as the Matron at St. Winifred's Hospital in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. This groundbreaking appointment marked the first time a Black individual had held the position of Matron within the NHS. The news

of her achievement spread worldwide, inspiring many and breaking down barriers for future generations.

Later Life

After retiring, Steele dedicated her time to volunteering for various

organisations, showcasing her commitment to making a difference in her community. Notably, she became vice-president of the Association of Guyanese Nurses and Allied Professionals (AGNAP) and actively participated in Soroptimist International. Her devotion to her faith was evident as she remained a steadfast Methodist throughout her life. In recognition of her remarkable medical achievements, Steele was honoured with a certificate by the Guyanese High Commissioner to the United Kingdom in 2001. Tragically, Steele passed away on 23 July 2004 at Airedale General Hospital in Keighley due to complications arising from a surgical procedure.

Impact & Legacy

Daphne Steele's impact and legacy continue to be remembered and celebrated. AGNAP, in honour of her memory, decided to rename their annual health talk as the Daphne Steele Memorial Lecture in 2013. This serves as a testament to the lasting influence she had on the organisation and the healthcare community as a whole.

Furthermore, on what would have been her 91st birthday on 16 October 2018, a commemorative blue plaque was unveiled at St. James's Hospital, Balham. This plaque, organised by the Nubian Jak Community Trust, pays tribute to Steele's early training at the hospital when she first arrived in England.

The University of Huddersfield has also recognised the significant contributions of Daphne Steele by announcing that their upcoming Health & Wellbeing Academy, set to open in 2022, will bear her name. This prestigious honour reflects Steele's dedication to the medical field and her commitment to improving the health and well- being of others.

The academy will serve as a hub for training individuals pursuing careers in health-related fields, ensuring that Steele's legacy lives on through the education and development of future healthcare professionals.