Black History Month: Paulette Lewis on leadership, heritage and supporting the next generation

Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little about your professional journey?

I am Jamaican and came to the UK to undertake my nurse training. After qualifying as a nurse, I went on to train as a midwife and pursue further qualifications in leadership and management.

Over more than four decades, I have held several senior roles in the NHS, including Director of Maternity Services, Chief Nurse and Pan-London Maternity Director. I am now a Non-Executive Director and continue to work in healthcare leadership and community organisations.

My journey has not always been easy. There were challenges along the way and times when I felt like giving up, but I remained focused on my goals and purpose. The support of my family and mentors has been incredibly important throughout my career.

I was honoured to receive an MBE in 2014 for my contributions to nursing and charity work, and have also received recognition for my leadership and community work.

Can you tell us a little about your heritage and what it means to you?

My Jamaican heritage is an important part of who I am. It has helped shape my identity and the values instilled in me by my parents and ancestors.

Understanding my heritage gives me a stronger sense of identity and belonging. It helps guide my decisions, aspirations and goals for the future.

My heritage also connects me to communities who share my culture, while learning about other cultures and experiences continues to enrich my own personal and professional development.

Who or what has particularly influenced you during your professional journey?

My professional journey has involved many challenges, from the beginning of my training through to reaching senior leadership positions.

When I first started my nurse training, I was placed on the State Enrolled Nurse (SEN) course. However, a senior tutor recognised my potential and transferred me to the State Registered Nurse (SRN) course. That decision opened doors for me and made an important difference to my professional journey.

Throughout my career, I have also benefited from the encouragement and support of Chief Nurses, senior colleagues and mentors, including Dame Karlene Davis.

That support came in many different forms, and it helped me to develop my confidence, progress professionally and pursue opportunities in leadership.

Can you tell us about your work with the Caribbean Nurses and Midwives Association (UK), and what being part of that community means to you?

I am one of the co-founders and a Director of the Caribbean Nurses and Midwives Association (UK), and now serve as its President.

CNMA (UK) was established in response to health inequalities and the need to empower Black and minority ethnic nurses and midwives, strengthen their voices and support their professional development.

Through the association, we work with members and partners to promote equality, diversity and inclusion across health and social care. We also provide mentoring, coaching, professional development opportunities and spaces where nurses and midwives can share their experiences and seek support.

An important part of our work is supporting internationally educated nurses and midwives as they navigate a new culture and working environment in UK health and social care.

I find this work incredibly rewarding. Being able to use my experience, knowledge and skills to support others through the challenges they face means a great deal to me.

I feel particularly proud when I see individuals develop, achieve their goals and reach their full potential. I hope this work will leave a lasting legacy for the next generation of nurses and midwives.

This year's Black History Month theme is Honouring Our Communities. What does that mean to you?

For me, Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and recognise Black people and their contributions to our communities.

Honouring our communities means taking the time to recognise the dedication, commitment and contributions of those who have helped shape our lives, families and communities.

It is also a time to remember those who paved the way for me and so many others, and to think about the opportunities we can create for the next generation.

We must also recognise the important contributions of nurses, midwives and other healthcare professionals, both past and present.

What does Black History Month mean to you, and what would you like people to take away from it?

Black History Month is a significant opportunity to reflect on our lived experiences, learn from the past and consider how we can continue to improve outcomes for everyone.

It is important that we share our stories, not only within Black communities but with everyone, so that we can build greater understanding of our experiences and contributions.

We should celebrate our achievements and legacy, while continuing to break down barriers and invest in opportunities for future generations.

Other recent news…