UHDB celebrates International Women's Day 2024
Friday 8 March 2024 marks this year's International Women's Day - an annual celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women - which provides UHDB with an opportunity to give thanks for the invaluable contribution made by women to our organisation and the wider NHS.
With women making up a significant majority of our UHDB workforce, we are as committed as ever to work to advance gender equality both within our organisation and beyond.
International Women's Day is an opportunity for people across the world to raise awareness about the discrimination that women face every day in different aspects of their lives. It also acts as a reminder that collectively we can and must work together to eliminate this discrimination in a way that is equitable for all women.
At UHDB, we have a committed Gender Equality Staff Network - a staff forum that focuses on issues surrounding gender inequality, working constructively with our organisation at all levels to ensure equal opportunity and support regardless of gender identity - whether that's reducing the gender pay gap, increasing support for flexible working, or increasing the number of women senior positions.
This year's theme for International Women's Day is #InspireInclusion, and to this effect the Gender Equality Staff Network works closely with partners in other UHDB Staff Networks on joint ventures such as the Carers Network around flexible working, the PRIDE Staff Network on issues such as gender-equal facilities, and more - working collectively to inspire inclusion for all. We also have in place the Freedom To Speak Up team with whom our colleagues can, in confidence, speak out against and challenge misogyny, gender discrimination and inequality wherever it is experienced.
As an organisation, International Women's Day provides us with an opportunity to reaffirm our unshakeable commitment to living our values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence where every single one of our colleagues can contribute to the delivery of exceptional care, no matter their gender or background.
Further information on International Women's Day can be found on their website, here >
If anyone working at UHDB would like to find out more information on how to join the Gender Equality Staff Network, please email uhdb.gendernetwork@nhs.net or follow the link to the network page on Gender Equality Staff Network, here (staff only) >.
We welcome all allies of any gender that are interested in learning more or sharing ideas on how to drive forward gender equality, sharing lived experiences in a safe space, getting involved in projects or events - all of which are part of a social movement to bring about social justice at UHDB.
UHDB colleagues share their stories
As part of our celebration of International Women's Day 2024, we've spoken to two UHDB colleagues about their experience as women within healthcare and their reflections on this important awareness day.
Gill Tierney, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon
"I joined UHDB as a consultant at what was the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary in February 2004, following my graduation from Nottingham University Medical School and my required training in the region.
"While I have not found challenges or barriers as a woman in my role, I have always strived to show that surgery is a career open to all, irrespective of gender. I was fortunate to have a number of role models who encouraged me to follow the path into surgery from as early as my first job as a newly-qualified doctor.
"However, the main logistical challenge I, and many women face, is arranging appropriate childcare. I am fortunate to have a supportive husband - also a surgeon - who recognises that we are both equal parents irrespective of gender, as well as the resources to be able to pay for good quality, reliable childcare - which I truly recognise as a luxury not afforded to all. There is no doubt that the cost of childcare is a major limiting factor for working parents.
"I regularly attend medical student and trainee careers events and I'm always keen to express there are no barriers in surgery if that is what you want. The East Midlands is a region rich in female surgeons at all levels and I'm particularly lucky to have a fantastic group of colleagues in surgery at UHDB pretty evenly matched in gender, and as an organisation we have some internationally recognised leaders.
"This culture was spearheaded by a visionary female chief executive, Julie Acred, who was the CEO when I was appointed and was responsible for a number of innovations in Derby. I am Head of the School of Surgery in the East Midlands, and the philosophy of NHSWTE at present is very much focused on inclusion and flexibility in training - without which talent will be lost at a cost to the NHS.
"In terms of this year's theme of #InspireInclusion, there is copious evidence that diversity in any profession adds richness and quality. It is important that healthcare providers match the population for whom they are providing care. As half our population is female, we need female professionals to deliver care in all roles. Recent publications from the USA have shown that operations performed by female surgeons have better outcomes.
"I have been involved in a number of inclusive initiatives both independently and collaboratively as part of my role - whether that’s parents in surgery, disposable hijabs in theatre, speaking out about sexual misconduct, support for early career consultants, childcare spaces at conference just to name a few.
"My advice to anyone pursuing a career in healthcare is to always do the things that you enjoy, and believe in yourself that any role is achievable if it is the one you want."
Tanya Bleiker, Consultant Dermatologist (UHDB) and Clinical Director of Outpatient Recovery and Transformation Programme (NHS England)
"I was appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist as 2001 - and I absolutely love my job. I get to work with an amazing team and can make a difference to the lives of patients with skin disease. Alongside this, for my NHS England role I am involved with the pressures around service backlog, and producing the future strategy for outpatients.
"I have also undertaken a number of roles within the field of Dermatology, and most recently within the last six months, it has been an honour to be the President of Derby Medical Society - putting together a speaker programme delivered by amazing people I have had the privilege to meet during my career. Many of these speakers were fellow working mums who I'd met at the school gate many years ago: a close-knit group of mums who have supported each other with childcare on numerous occasions!
"I am married to Simon Williams, Consultant Urological Surgeon, and have two grown-up children - Rebecca who is a Vet in Towcester, and Peter who is Service Manager for oral surgery at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital. Needless to say, we are very proud of them both.
"Personally, I have not found my gender to be a challenge or barrier to my career path - grasping every opportunity I've had and I've been lucky to never being disappointed with the journeys they have taken me on! One reason I have been able to do all this is the unwavering support of my husband through sharing our parental duties and always supporting each other - there was a time where, when a trainee at a different hospital, he had to take time off to look after the children, and he was questioned 'where their mother was'. Luckily - times have changed and this attitude is not one I would expect my trainees to face.
"In all my roles I strive to inspire inclusion and ensure that all members of the team feel respected, and listened to. I always encourage trainees and new colleagues as a mentor to speak up for what they think is right. Diversity and inclusion is essential in healthcare - respecting each other brings out the best in everybody and improves how we work together, all benefitting the outcomes of the patients we treat.
"Reflecting on my career so far, one of my proudest moments was quite recently. A female trainee had felt particularly challenged by a situation, and she told me that she had asked herself 'what would Dr Bleiker do' and found courage to deal with the challenge, which she did brilliantly."
Upcoming activities: International Women's Day Derby Festival
On Friday 8 - Saturday 9 March, the annual, award-winning, and volunteer-run International Women's Day Derby Festival will be taking place. The event is open to all, and you can find a full schedule of the activities taking place on their website, here >