The Windrush Generation are often celebrated for their contributions to British society, having migrated to the UK from the Caribbean in response to calls for help rebuilding Britain after World War II. One area in which their contributions were invaluable was the creation and development of the UK's National Health Service (NHS).
These individuals played vital roles across the NHS, from doctors and nurses to support staff. Their tireless dedication and hard work helped shape the NHS into the invaluable institution it is today.
As we approach the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Windrush Generation and the establishment of the NHS, it is fitting to pay tribute to one of the many individuals who dedicated their lives to both endeavours.
Dorothy Johnson was a community midwife who came to the UK in the 1960s following an NHS recruitment drive for nurses in Jamaica. She would go on to work for the NHS for 20 years, becoming a familiar face in the Greets Green and Tipton areas.
Ellie Johnson, Dorothy's daughter-in-law and an NHS nurse herself, fondly remembers her warm and gentle demeanour: "She was a much-loved figure; she was very gentle, kind and soft-spoken. I don't think many daughters-in-law can say they have never had a cross word exchanged with their mother-in-law."
Dorothy's patch as a community midwife covered Great Bridge and Tipton, and she remained one of the few black people to live or work in the Black Country during that time. Sadly, she endured incidents of racism but persevered in her role until retiring and continued to live in Tipton until passing away in 2014.
Despite her challenges, the families she served as a community midwife sincerely appreciated Dorothy's kindness and compassion. Ellie shared, "Her kindness and humour led her to become somewhat of a celebrity among the young mothers she served and is remembered fondly by them." Dorothy was also an avid Baptist Christian who loved cooking traditional Jamaican dishes and dedicated many hours to teaching Ellie and others the art of Jamaican cuisine.
Ellie has preserved an invaluable trove of artefacts related to Dorothy's legacy, including her midwifery registration certificate from 1953 and a booklet titled 'Background Information About Newcomers to this Country,' which stands as a testament to the journey and experiences of those who came to the UK to build new lives and serve their country.
The legacy of the Windrush Generation continues to inspire their children and grandchildren, many of whom have followed in their footsteps to work in the NHS. Ellie attests to this, sharing that "Dorothy's passion for nursing and midwifery shone through and contributed to my decision and both of my daughters' decisions to follow in her footsteps and become nurses ourselves."
Dorothy Johnson's story serves as a moving reminder of the sacrifices and contributions made by the Windrush Generation and of the incredible impact that they have had on the healthcare system.