Dropping into a local library while visiting in Clapham, I picked up a local history booklet about Caribbeans in Wandsworth, which reminds us of racial discrimination in the early days of the NHS.

‘Many of the Caribbeans were…trained professionals but…very few Caribbean nurses ever became Ward Sister and on the whole they were the ones that looked after the geriatrics, the disabled and the mentally handicapped…In fact, a quota system appears to have been in operation in the early days, but subsequently…[local hospitals] had predominantly black staff. White nurses were by then either seeking and obtaining posts in more prestigious hospitals or leaving the profession altogether’.

I wonder what this history tells us about feelings in the current situation.

Lock, G. (1992) Caribbeans in Wandsworth. London: Department of Technical Services Wandworth Borough Council.

Pics of the St Christopher’s building works, in solidarity with colleagues who are working in difficult conditions, so that things can be better in the future.

No way in – this is the work going on around the prospective new entrance to the building, but currenrly, there is no way in there.