Black History Month has been brought to a close at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust with a special showcase event to celebrate the contribution that has been made to the NHS by its diverse workforce.

Staff gathered in the main atrium of Walsall Manor Hospital on Monday to listen to Mighty Jamma Steel band fill the main entrance hall with the sound of the steel drums. Mighty Jamma has regularly performed at clubs like Ronnie Scotts, The Jazz Cafe, and The Cork Jazz festival. The band has also performed with some of the greats such as Courtney Pine, Richard Bailey, and Wayne Bachelor, to name a few, and played several well-known classic songs from the Caribbean for a delighted audience.

There was also a free Caribbean lunch for staff outside the rear entrance to the hospital with a range of dishes available which went down a treat.

Celebrations have been held across the month with live entertainment, presentations, exhibitions, delicious food and a special film preview of the Windrush 77 hosted by the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton.

Sabrina Richards, Talent and Inclusion Lead at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said the whole month was a huge success.

She said: “The reason why we celebrate Black History Month is because it is a time of recognising and valuing the contributions of black Britons. It is really important for our patients, staff and visitors to understand that we are a Trust which is committed to promoting cultural diversity and celebrating and harnessing differences.”

Doreen Mccooty, Discharge Liaison Nurse, was one of the audience members who was lucky enough to hear Mighty Jamma Steel band perform.

She said: “I really enjoyed the performance and food. To be part of Black History Month is absolutely fantastic and I am glad the Trust is supporting such an important celebration.”