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30 October 2024

Sharon makes impact at regional conference

A senior Nurse in Wolverhampton wants to use her experiences to help staff of colour have a better time at work after addressing a regional audience as part of Black History Month.

haron at Wolverhampton Science Park, and at the RCN conference

Sharon at Wolverhampton Science Park (left), and at the RCN conference

Sharon Bury, Senior Sister in the community at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), spoke before more than 120 delegates at the Royal College of Nursing’s West Midlands conference on reclaiming the narrative of black history and culture.

In a 34-year career, the mother of three has progressed from Auxiliary Nurse to her current role in the South Locality Team in Adult Community Care, having started in June 1990 at Dudley Guest NHS Hospital.

In 1994 she secured a job at the Accident &Emergency combined Fracture Clinic Department at the former Royal Hospital in Wolverhampton.

“The team did not see colour or use prejudice,” said Sharon, who is based at Wolverhampton Science Park and spoke at the conference in Birmingham.

“The late Consultant Mr Andrew Thomas saw something in me and tutored me so I could achieve the maths level required.

“He supported me through the Access to Nursing course at college, which I completed, and I’m forever grateful.”

Sharon, who is the third generation of her family to work in healthcare in the city, added: “With Mr Thomas’ support, I was encouraged to write to the then Chief Nurse, and I was invited to meet her over afternoon tea.

“As a result, 10 Auxiliary Nursing secondments were advertised, and I got one of them, training at New Cross Hospital.”

Sharon qualified in 2003 with a Diploma of Nursing and worked on D19, the former respiratory ward.

She later completed her Nursing degree and has taken modules towards a Master’s level.

“I ventured into Community District Nursing in 2004. The Locality Matron encouraged me to take various courses and I successfully secured a Sister post,” she added.

At this time Sharon achieved 438 days without any medication errors in the team, and graduated.

After those successes, she encountered “uncertain, heartbreaking” times with the COVID-19 pandemic, with her and her team at risk, like many colleagues.

“I remain truly grateful that I’m able to share my journey, as many are unable,” said Sharon.

Addressing racism, Sharon said: “Some incidents I’ve lived through I didn’t even realise were inflicted because of the colour of my skin.

“I’ve witnessed many changes, allowing people of colour to start their vocations positively, so they can rise up.

“But a lot of us have gained substantial knowledge from people working below our own pay grades.

“The NHS has made steps to improve the experience for people of colour to progress, and I use my experience to help and assist when needed. I am an active member of the BAME Employee Voice Group at RWT.

“My next step is to implement the Cultural Ambassador role in the recruitment process in community services.”

ENDS