South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for championing open and honest conversations about cancer with minority ethnic groups within the Tees Valley.
On Friday 3 October, our cancer service colleagues were crowned winners of the Public Sector Award at the Tees Valley Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Awards.
They were recognised for demonstrating exceptional commitment to public health for their work in actively supporting the Cancer Awareness Connect project. A community initiative which helps to address health inequalities in diverse communities through culturally tailored campaigns.
Consultant cardiothoracic surgeon and cancer lead for our trust, Dr Ferguson was praised for his proactive community engagement, including leadership talks, radio programmes, and dedicated podcast which were broadcast via the Mosques internal TV system and on FM Radio to the Asian community.
He said:
It is important that all communities know that cancer does not discriminate and neither do we. All patients should be welcomed with open arms and never made to feel judged.
“It was an honour to receive this award on behalf of the trust and I look forward to supporting the Cancer Connect campaign. I would like to say a special thank you to Carol Taylor, whose ongoing support from the beginning has made this possible.”
About the awards
The Tees Valley EDI Awards recognises organisations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields whilst overcoming barriers, challenging discrimination, and creating pathways for others to follow.