International Women's Day 2024 | Meet some of the inspirational women in CAVUHB

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and this year’s theme is #InspireInclusion.

As women all over the world come together to mark International Women’s Day 2024, some of our colleagues have shared their thoughts and stories.
 

Zoe Morrison — Syndrome Without A Name (SWAN) Clinical Nurse Specialist 

I work with children who are suspected of having an undiagnosed disease and their families. I support the family through their diagnostic journey in the SWAN Clinic and provide care coordination as well as holistic and psychosocial support.

My favourite part of my job is the patients and their families I work with and the team I work alongside. I have been able to meet and work closely with others across the globe who are dedicated to improving the lives of patients and their families affected by a rare or undiagnosed disease.

If you asked me five years ago where I would see myself I would never have even dreamed of being in the position I am now with the opportunities I have. I would encourage anybody considering a job like mine to not be afraid of the new, it might just be the best thing you ever did!

This year’s theme is #InspireInclusion and I think it is incredibly important to have a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our patient population is so diverse and it is important that this is also recognised and represented in our workforce. Having a diverse and inclusive workforce allows us to really connect and empathise with our patients and creates an opportunity for healthcare to be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, culture, age, nationality or sexual orientation.

Indu Deglurkar — Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon 

I first joined Cardiff and Vale UHB 30 years ago after my internship and have been a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon since 2010. I get immense satisfaction performing high-risk heart operations to improve the quality of life for our patients and enjoy contributing to our professional and wider society through my leadership roles.

This year marks 113 years since the first International Women's Day and we continue to fight for gender equality and we have a long way to go.

Women are grossly underrepresented in cardiac surgery in the UK. Until 2014, there were five female cardiac consultants in the UK and today we have 20. Whilst it may seem an exponential rise, it probably still represents around 6% of the total number of consultant cardiac surgeons.

There is rich diversity in the NHS but the benefits of this can only be harnessed with inclusivity. Research in corporate sectors has repeatedly shown that diverse and inclusive teams are highly productive and more creative with excellent decision-making. If bias and discrimination can be overcome, the sense of belonging will build highly effective teams.

If you feel that you have the dexterity, capability and resilience to become a surgeon, you must pursue your dream. The sky should not be your limit as there is a whole galaxy beyond.

Abigail Bernard — Co-Chair of AccessAbility network 

I love that my role allows me to advocate for disabled individuals and create positive change. Being part of a network that actively works toward improving accessibility and representation is incredibly fulfilling.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), I find my strong family values intersecting with this global movement. I firmly believe that empowering women has a ripple effect, benefiting not only individuals but also families, communities and society as a whole.

On this day, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our sisters worldwide. We acknowledge our shared struggles and amplify each other’s voices. Whether it’s breaking down barriers, advocating for equal opportunities, or challenging stereotypes, IWD reminds us that progress is a collaborative effort.

This year’s IWD theme, #InspireInclusion, resonates deeply with me. Inclusion means recognizing the diverse experiences of women—across cultures, abilities, and backgrounds. When we inspire inclusion, we create a world where every woman feels seen, valued, and empowered

A diverse and inclusive workforce is essential in the NHS for better patient care, reduced health disparities, innovation and staff well-being. It’s both a legal obligation and an ethical imperative.

Rachel Flynn — PA within the Local Public Health Team 

I love the diversity within my role and the ability to connect with so many different people, both inside and outside the health board.

I have worked in healthcare since April 2020 and was inspired to do so after I received intense care from the NHS following an illness called Post-Partum Psychosis after the birth of my son in 2017. Prior to this, I worked as a Regional Area Facilities Manager in the corporate world, so very different!

My due date for my son's birth was actually on International Women's Day — 8th March 2017! The illness was a pretty rough time for me and it left me unable to speak, read and write for a few months. After my recovery, it was important for me to be able to give back to the NHS and raise awareness of the illness.

International Women's Day is important to me as it is an opportunity to celebrate all the amazing things women achieve around the globe. Having a diverse and inclusive workforce within the NHS is brilliant.

Kate Waters, She/Her — Midwife 

I am currently based in the community and primarily care for women and pregnant people antenatally and postnatally. However, I have also had the privilege of facilitating two beautiful births at home!

It is a privilege to be a midwife, to be able to be with women and their families during this life-changing milestone is something that I will never take for granted.

IWD to me is the celebration of all women and each other’s achievements and appreciating the women who have come before us who paved the way for feminism and gender equality while acknowledging how far we have to go before we reach true gender equity.

Having a diverse and inclusive workforce is vital within the NHS and maternity services. Representation is paramount to ensuring that all patients and service users feel comfortable when receiving care and helps break down barriers and make positive changes.

I would say to anyone considering midwifery to absolutely do it. The world needs more midwives from all backgrounds! Supporting women, and birthing people and families is a vocation, not a job or career, it comes from the heart.

Rhian Thomas Turner — Research & Development Lead for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales 

I manage the paediatric research delivery team based at the Children and Young Adults’ Research Unit, the only clinical research facility for under 18s in Wales. 

I led the establishment of CYARU when I joined NACHfW in 2016 and seeing the project through from the planning stage to something which has an impact on the lives of patients has been an amazing experience.

I have a background in law, including a master's in Legal Aspects of Medical Practice from Cardiff University. I am currently undertaking a PhD in law which considers whether children have the right to benefit from clinical research. This research is being conducted through Swansea University, where I am also an affiliate member of the Observatory on the Human Rights of Children. 

In addition, I was also recently elected to the UK Board of the Global Alliance of Impact Lawyers and I also sit on the MHRA’s Paediatric Medicines Expert Advisory Group. 

I am very aware that CYARU would not be a success if it wasn’t for the team of incredibly hard-working, highly skilled and committed research nurses I work with. IWD is an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the contribution that these women bring to the NHS.

A diverse and inclusive workforce should lead to a diversity of perspectives. This is vital if we are to build services that reach the needs of the population.